MHA #13 - New Years Eve and then Midnight

[itsananomaly]

It was New Years Eve and tomorrow their house arrest would officially kick off for the next few months. Cutter was nervous, even though he and Connor had done everything to make sure that the flat was ready for their house arrest, he still couldn’t believe how quickly these last few weeks had gone. He and Connor were planning on a quiet New Years celebration, he had set out some wine and snacks for them to have to ring in the new year and then they would officially been house arrest. “I can’t believe how quickly these last few weeks have gone by,” Cutter said as he sat down on the couch, offering Connor a glass of champagne. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFI but fine for broadcast. OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know, everything really has been going by so quickly" Connor said as he sat on the couch next to Cutter. "I would say I hope the house arrest goes by just as fast but somehow I doubt it" he said with a small laugh. Connor took the offered glass of champagne with a nod. "But at least we get to do it together. Better than prison and better than being forced to do it alone."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile at that, "that's true, I'm glad they didn't insist that we had to do this separately, as hard as this will be, it's definitely the better alternative and it is only for a few months," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And we are lucky they are letting us do it here in Fandom. Time will pass faster here so we'll be able to serve the full year sentence as far as Christine and everyone is concerned but it will only be a few months for us here" Connor said as he reached over and grabbed one of the finger sandwiches off the plate.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Aye, it will definitely help make it go by quicker and then we can finally get back to normal and not have to deal with Christine and we can help with the ARC again," Cutter smiled as he also picked up one of the sandwiches.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know Becker and Danny said they would get us whatever they could so maybe we can find a way to still work on things while we are stuck here" Connor said as he took a bite of the sandwich. "We can work on the anomaly prediction model and whatever else we can so that when everything is officially over we can work on getting our clearance back and jump back into helping the team officially."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That would be good if they could do that, I know James was planning on getting some of the security clearance things through early so that most of it could be sorted by the time we finish house arrest," Cutter said as he took a sip of champagne, "and we've made some good progress already with the anomaly prediction model, so that will definitely keep us occupied for a while,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, and I have classes too so that will take up a chunk of time each day too" Connor said as he glanced over at the laptop and stack of books sitting on the table. "Still not sure how I managed to get halfway through that first program already. But once I finish I'll finally have that degree finished and can look at going on for that Masters of Science degree to finally be able to start teaching and all" Connor grinned as he looked over at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly, "and anything you need help with your classes let me know and I'll be happy to help you," he assured Connor, "even if you just moral support, between the anomaly prediction model, our own classes and your classes we should be set to help keep us occupied from house arrest,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thanks Nick" Connor said with an appreciative smile. "And we also have the check-ins too, so while we might not be able to be with the team we can at least talk to them and have a video chat with some of them now and then. That will help a lot too" Connor said as he leaned his head against Cutter's shoulder.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned against Connor, "that's true, we should be able to help them a bit more from here, maybe not with every mission especially since we don't have our clearances just yet but they might be able to talk to us about what they get up to, it will be nice not being shut out all the time,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And we will also have the check ins with Becker twice a week too" Connor said as he closed his eyes, just enjoying the moment, being with Cutter, before everything changed for a while."It really helps that we get to work with him and not one of Christine's men or anything."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, as he also took the moment to appreciate just how nice everything was, even with everything that was to come, "I'm glad it's Becker to, at least we can still talk to him as well once the formal check in part is over, so that will be something to look forward to, and we don't have to deal with Christine any time soon either so that will be nice as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he leaned against Cutter still. "Oh and I meant to tell you... With some of what Lester is giving to help us with the house arrest and all, I signed us up for a few streaming services. So we can watch all the terrible reality shows and meta for Big Brother that we want to!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that's brilliant," Cutter said, eyes lighting up at that, "well that will definitely be one way to pass the time, I know I still have to catch up on some of the seasons,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled broadly at that. "I figured as much" he said giving Cutter a playful nudge. "And there are a few documentaries and things I want to try and find to help with classes and all too. So I figured it would be something good to have for us for these next few months. Also, imagine the balcony is gonna get some use for reading when it's not too cold out!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that nudge, "I think we'll definitely be able to find things to watch, I suppose now's a good as time as any to catch up on some movies and shows that I've missed out on all these years and reading on the balcony does sound nice as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We got the oversized sitting chair out there. I'm sure we could manage to both get comfortable there and we have those nice new blankets too" Connor grinned. "Early morning coffee and reading on the balcony together does sound quite nice."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That does sound very nice," Cutter grinned as he got comfortable against Connor, enjoying this nice quiet moment between them after how chaotic everything had been, "and we got those new books for Christmas as well that we will be able to read, I think that sounds like a nice way to spend our mornings,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh and those books will be really good for morning coffee snuggles" Connor said with a smirk. "We'll find things to keep us busy and pass the time."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "then I'm definitely looking forward to that and then house arrest will be over before we know it and we'll be back at the ARC like we're supposed to be,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Right! Christine might have won this small battle, but we're still winning the war. We'll be back at work and getting back on track soon! And in the meantime I am actually looking forward to a little quiet time, just the two of us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "so am I, and this will give us the opportunity to try and do some research of our own and see if we can get back at Christine, to try and take her down to help the ARC," he said, "and I'm looking forward to spending some time together as well, it will be nice, celebrating New Years on our own,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I am definitely looking forward to celebrating tonight... And getting the celebration started a little early maybe" Connor sad as he snuggled closer and kissed Cutter on the cheek with a smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "then I'm definitely looking forward to that and then house arrest will be over before we know it and we'll be back at the ARC like we're supposed to be,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he wrapped his arms around Cutter and kissed him softly. He was definitely not going to wait until midnight to get some snuggles and kisses in. "Love you Nick" he said softly as he kissed Cutter again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned in close to Connor, wrapping his arms around him and returned the kiss. "I love you Connor," he said as he happily returned that kiss, wanting to keep it going for as long as possible.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"this is really nice" Connor said softly " being here with you like this. We had a good birthday weekend, a wonderful Christmas, and now a perfect New Year. I think this is a perfect way to end the year" he said with a loving smile as he kissed Cutter again, gently running his hand along his back.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter moaned happily, "I've never been able to spend the holidays with anyone like this, I was always working and never at home and now getting to spend our birthdays, Christmas and New Years ... it's all been perfect, I can't imagine being anywhere else other than here with you," he leaned into that kiss, enjoying the feel of Connor's hand in his hair and he rubbed his hand up and down Connor's back.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And I never had anyone really to spend the special occasions and holidays with either," Connor said as he leaned his head against Cutter's for a moment and moaned softly at the touch. "Family never did much for celebrations and then I was always too busy to do much more than something simple with Tom or Duncan for my birthday when we all ended up having a day off." Connor smiled as he held Cutter close. "This has been very nice. Could definitely get used to this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned in close against Connor, still running his hand up and down Connor's back, "I could definitely get used to this as well and next year, we won't have to worry about house arrest," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and moaned happily. "I think we might actually start to make it a tradition for the new year at least... self-imposed lock down, night to ourselves, just us welcoming in the new year. I think I could get used to something like this, make it a little addition of ours if we wanted" he said with a smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned against Connor, "now I do quite like the idea of that being a tradition as well, I think that would be a very nice tradition for ourselves, something to look forward to each year,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I never been big on the whole new years eve parties and all" Connor said as he closed his eyes and snuggled close to Cutter. "I'd much rather spend the night ringing in the new year with you" he said with a small smirk. "Speaking of which... we are getting close" Connor said as he glanced at the clock on the wall. "Want anything else to eat while we wait till the final count down?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, "and I would much rather spend the night ringing in the new year with you," he went a little red, he followed Connor's gaze the clock, "maybe some more chips and dip?" he considered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I like the way you think" Connor said as he gave Cutter another quick kiss then stood up and headed for the kitchen. A few minutes later he came back with a bowl of the special dip he had made earlier- salsa, cheese, and ground beef. He also had a big bag of chips in hand when he sat back down.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh this looks amazing, thank you Connor," Cutter smiled as he sat up on the couch and looked at the dip and chips Connor had brought over, "perfect snacks to end the year with,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye" Connor said as he took a bit of the chips and dip. "Perfect food, perfect company, and a perfect night. And we even have a good view if anywhere on the mainland decides to go all out and shoot off any firewood" he said as he nodded towards the balcony area.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he took some chips and dip and began to eat them, "its a very perfect night, I can't imagine being anywhere else other than with you right, right now," he said as he got comfortable on the couch next to Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he put his hand on Cutter's leg and then reached over to get some more of the chips and dip. "I can't think of anywhere else I'd want to be than with you" Connor said softly as he just took the time to enjoy being there with Cutter. After a bit of silence as they ate Connor smiled and looked at the clock again. "Only a couple more minutes," he said, reaching over to grab his drink.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"And then it will be a whole brand new year that I get to celebrate with you," Cutter smiled as he reached over to take his own champagne, "I'm really looking forward to seeing what this new year brings,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Same and after this past year and everything that has happened, I know we will be even stranger in the new year ahead than we have been" Connor smiled and raised his glass in a small toast as the final seconds ticked down. "Here's to another year together" he said with a soft smile. Then when the clock struck midnight he leaned over and gave Cutter a deep and soft yet passionate kiss.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Aye, we'll be so much stronger in the new year and nothing will tear us apart," Cutter smiled as Connor leaned in and kissed him and he happily returned that kiss eagerly, "happy new year Connor, I love you so much,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled happily as he kept the kiss going, breaking away only long enough to catch his breath. "I love you too Nick, so very very much" he said as he kissed him again. "Happy New Year to our future."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was very happy to keep that kiss going, "to our future," he murmured in between breaths, this was definitely a very nice way to ring in the New Year, it would be a shame if someone was to spoil it wouldn't it?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was quite enjoying the kiss, even as the sound of distant fireworks still filled the air. It wasn't until his phone started ringing that he broke the kiss. "They can leave a message" he said softly as he started to lean back into the kiss. But he glanced over and saw the name "Becker" on the screen and then suddenly he was a lot more focused on getting to that call. "Hey Becker" he said when he answered. "Everything ok?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked a little annoyed at the interruption until he realised that it was Becker and looked over at Connor, "is everything alright?" he asked suddenly a little fearful that something was wrong and that the start of their new year wasn't as great as he was thinking it was going to be.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor put the call on speakerphone so Cutter could hear too. "Hey guys, I know, lousy timing and all," Becker said apologetically. "Hope you guys got to do something at least for new years. I'm calling cuz Christine is breathing down my neck about the first official check in for all this nonsense. She wanted to, and I quote, "Make sure they know who is in charge and there's no messing around." Connor looked over at Cutter and shook his head, knowing this was as annoying and frustrating for Becker as it was for them. "We're ok, at the apartment" Connor said. "Just the two of us welcoming in the new year. Sorry you are having to deal with Christine right at the start of the new year."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced a little, he was definitely glad they were dealing with Becker and not Christine right then. “We had a nice New Years,” Cutter added, reassuring Becker, “how is it over there apart from dealing with Christine?”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's been ok. We're managing" Becker said. "Glad to hear" Connor said with a sigh. "Christine doesn't let up does she?" "No she doesn't" Becker said with a small laugh. "She insisted we start this right away. Sorry guys. I know it's not what you likely wanted to do the first day of the year. We'll keep it quick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“It’s alright Becker, we know this is Christine’s doing, not yours,” Cutter reassured him and hesitated and looked at Connor, “so what do we have to do for our check in?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor glanced at the phone as he placed it on the coffee table and sat beside Cutter. "Right so the check-ins are going to be several a week. I never told you because I am totally not authorized to do so, but it will likely be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday" Becker said with a small chuckle. "The check ins themselves are basically just us talking for a few minutes, you both confirming you are at the apartment and then I will take a reading on your monitors to make sure you are where you say you are. We're getting readings from your monitors but this is just an added check Christine is insisting on."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I guess that doesn't sound to bad," Cutter said softly, "and it won't matter if we have class on one of those days right? As long as we're still in the apartment for check ins?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Right, you let me know what days you have class and I will make sure to call before or after for the check ins that day" Becker said. "We can definitely do that" Connor said. "Will take some figuring out schedules and all but class shouldn't be too hard and once we figure out when check ins are we can make sure we do laundry and stuff on other days so there wont be any issue with us being in the apartment complex but not right here."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That sounds doable," Cutter said softly, "and then on the other days I can use my flat as well if I need to leave for other research," he said, just in case there was the chance that Christine had bugged Becker's phone and was listening to their calls. "We'll figure this out Becker and then the checkins will be routine,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"All we got to do then" Becker said "is you both sit and I'll ping the monitors form here. If you look at them you should see a series of lights, green, yellow, then red and then back to green." Connor looked down at his ankle monitor and watched for the lights. "Yeah, I see mine going now."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked at his in fascination, "oh I see mine doing that as well," he said as he watched his begin to change colour.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I assume the green lights mean we are in range where we are supposed to be. Yellow is a warning that we've gotten too far out of range. And red is the out of range warning?" Connor asked as he watched their ankle monitors "That's right. Unoffically you are allowed to be in the yellow for no more than two hours. So it will be yellow when you are teaching classes or doing your laundry. It will turn red after two hours and then you would be considered out of range and in violation of the house arrest terms" Becker explained.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Okay so we can do activities outside of the apartment for no more than two hours," Cutter took a deep breath, "we should be able to manage that," and then a thought came to him, "does that include going outside for exercise and things like that? Like if we wanted to go for a walk as long as we were in the time limit?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Officially yes, but I would recommend you keep those walks and such to no more than an hour. And stay close to the apartment, no long walks to the other side of the island or anything. Just to be on the safe side" Becker said. "I wouldn't put it past Christine to try and say you are spending too much time in the yellow. Ideally, you should stay in the green for at least 23 hours each day." "So an hour or so for classes is fine, and a small walk each day we don't have class is alright" Connor checked. "We'll just make sure we don't go out more than we absolutely need to and never for more than an hour or so." "At least for the time being to show Christine you aren’t going to try and do anything, Id keep it to your classes and then maybe two other times a week being out of the apartment for an hour or so" Becker said softly. "I know its a lot to ask but a good faith gesture will help keep Christine off all our backs over here."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grimaced a little at the idea of spending 23 hours a day inside but he told himself that as long as he was with Connor it was going to be fine, they would work this out, he took a deep breath, “oh,” he said softly, “we’ll … we’ll manage,” he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know its rough Nick, Connor" Becker said softly. "And Lester plans to try... and talk to the Minster to negotiate a little more time for you both to be out of the apartment but not out of what is acceptable range. It... it is just going to take a little bit before he can. We all have to show we are going to comply with the arrangement as he was able to negotiate." "We understand" Connor said softly as he reached out and put a hand on Cutter's knee. "We'll manage. And we'll follow the terms, we don't want to get you in trouble Becker." "I know it's hard" Becker said. "It's going to take some time for us all to adjust to this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded at that, placing a hand on Connor's and giving it a squeeze, "we'll do our best," he said softly, "we don't want you to get in trouble with Christine, we'll ... we'll keep to the guidelines,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know you will" Becker said. "The monitors are designed to alert when you are either straying too far from the apartments or are getting close to your two hour limit. I'll give you a call when I get the notification that you are about to violate the terms. But I don't think its going to be a problem. We'll figure this out quickly enough I am sure." "We'll be sure to keep an eye on the monitors and watch our time closely when we are away" Connor said, already trying to calculate how long it would take them to get to class, teach class, then get back to the apartment. Two hours would be more than enough but it was still something he was a little worried bout until they actually did it a few times. "I don't have any concerns," Becker said reassuringly. "All of this is just protocols and making sure Christine knows you understand and will comply with the arrangement."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath, also trying to do those calculations, "thank you for doing this for us Becker, I'm glad we're able to do this with you than one of Christine's men," he shivered at the idea of having to do check ins with Wilder after everything.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm glad we were able to convince Christine to let me handle it too" Becker said. "And I think that is quite enough for our first check in" he said trying to sound a bit more upbeat. "I will let you two go and get back to your new year's celebration. And Nick, Connor, remember you can call any of us anytime. Someone will always be at the ARC to take your call and you know my phone is always open as is Lester's and even Danny's." "Thank you Becker, please tell Lester and the rest of the team we appreciate everything they are doing for us. And please tell Abby and Connor to take care as well" Connor said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We will keep in touch," Cutter promised, "and tell everyone back at the ARC hello and to take care," he added, suddenly feeling that separation that it would be months before they got to see everyone.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Will do. You both take care of yourselves and we will talk soon" Becker said as the call ended. Connor put the phone down and stared at it for a moment. Then he leaned over and put his arm around Cutter and pulled him into a tight hug. "It's going to be ok Nick" he said. "We'll get through this together."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter could help it, the reality of their situation now hitting him and before he could help himself he started crying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held onto Cutter as he felt tears of his own start to fall. "It's alright Nick... we'll... we'll be ok. We're together. We will figure out how to do this" he said softly as he clung to Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter kept sobbing as he held tightly onto to Connor, "its ... I'm sorry, this is supposed to be a new years celebration and I'm ... I've messed it up," he said quietly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You are not messing anything up Nick" Connor said as he gently rubbed his back, still holding onto him tightly. "We are here together we are still able to celebrate the new year and no matter what happens and what challenges we face we will get through them together. I love you Nick, that is not going to change."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter held onto Connor tightly as he tried to calm down, "I love you too Connor, so much," he said softly in between his sobs, "I'm never going to stop loving you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nor will I" Connor said as he blinked back tears of his own. He glanced at the phone as the screen lit up with a text message. It was from Danny and it looked like it was a 'happy new year' message. He would get to it later. Instead, Connor shifted and sat back on the couch and pulled Cutter close, sill keeping his arms around him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned in close to Connor as he tried to stop crying, "it just ... none of this doesn't feel real, the house arrest ... Becker reporting our movements to Christine ... I ... I'm scared," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know Nick... I.. I'm scared too" Connor said softly as he held tightly. "I know it won't be easy, but I'll be ok, because you are here. And i will be here for you too."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled, “and I’ll be here for you, always,” he said softly. “And I know I’m going to be okay because you’re here with me,” he said as he gave Connor a gentle squeeze, “I love you so much,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I love you Nick, always" Connor said as he pulled Cutter closer as he leaned back aginst the couch a little more. Softly he kissed Cutter's forehead and held him close. Whatever happened and however hard it got at times, Connor knew they would manage with help from the team and from each other.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at the kiss as he took comfort from being with Connor, he knew that eventually things would work out, that he and Connor would figure things out and that they would get through the house arrest. They just had to hold on for a few months and then it would be over.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached over and grabbed the blanket from the end of the couch. Wrapping his arms around Cutter he pulled the blanket around them and snuggled against Cutter. He didn't know what to say, there really wasn't anything to say, so he just held Cutter close, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. It wasn't a typical New Year's Eve, but it was theirs and they were together, and that was all that mattered.