A Room at a Private Hospital - London

[itsananomaly]

It had been a few days since everything had happened, Connor and Cutter were still unconscious but they were breathing on their own now. It was up to them when they woke up and Lester had taken over for Jenny so she could go home and get some rest. He had been reading one of the lastest superhero comic books to Connor as he sat by his bed as he waited, he wanted to do something and he wasn't sure if Connor could hear him read but it made him feel like he was doing something useful. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. Major CW for medical trauma and recovery, mentions of gunshot violence and injury. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had been drifting at the edge of consciousness for a while. He kept coming in and out, feeling warm then getting cold again as the darkness swallowed him back up. Everything hurt but also felt numb at the same time. He wanted to wake up. The darkness scared him. The one comfort he had was a familiar voice talking to him. He couldn't always make it out. But it was there and it was a comfort to know that even in the darkness he wasn't alone. Slowly Conor pushed through the dark and tried to open his eyes. The voice... he recognized it now. It was Lester... and he was reading... comic books? Connor pushed harder and finally managed to find his voice. "It's... Gam-bit... not Gam-bite" he said softly, his voice hoarse and weak as he still struggled to get his eyes open.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester immediately put the comic book down, he couldn't quite follow what was happening with the story, "I will keep that in mind for future reference," he said with a smile as he moved closer to Connor, "take it easy Connor, you've been heavily sedated for the last few days, it will take a while to adjust,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to open his eyes and got them open for a few seconds before they slid shut again. "What... where... " Connor winced slightly as he tried to figure out what was going on. "Nick! Is Nick ok?" he exclaimed as his eyes snapped opened and he tried to sit up, immediately regretting it as his head exploded with pain and he felt a sharp stab in his chest.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Shhh, easy there," Lester soothed as he went to place a hand on the shoulder that the bullet didn't go through, "your body has been through a huge trauma, you can't move around so much," he said gently, "and Nick is still asleep, the doctors are confident that he'll wake up sometime tomorrow,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor leaned back against the pillow and tried to catch his breath against the pain that shot through him. "What.... why is Nick in the hospital... did... Helen do something to him?" Connor asked as he tried to remember but the last thing he could remember was the blinding pain of being shot.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was quiet for a moment, then decided that Connor needed to know, "Helen... shot Nick as well, shot him in the head, he got through the surgery but he hasn't woken up yet, the clone ... Nate, he's now going by, he saved both of you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared at Lester in shock as he felt himself start to tremble and he tried to process what he was hearing. "Nick is... he... he's going to be alight? Right? He... he's going to wake up and be ok?" Connor asked as he felt the panic and fear start to rise in his chest which just made it harder to breathe as he tried to process everything.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester gave Connor a reassuring squeeze in the shoulder then, "you need to breathe Connor, your body is still in a state of shock from the trauma, we need to focus on you getting well as well," he said gently and paused, "I don't know," he admitted, "the doctors were pleased with how the surgery went, the bullet missed the vital organs but we won't know for sure how he is until he wakes up,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor closed his eyes as he tried to take a full breath. Everything hurt. After a moment he caught his breath enough to try and speak again. "E-everything hurts... Lester" he said weakly. "How... long have I..."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester wished there was more that he could do, "I know Connor, its going to take time to recover," he said gently, "its been nearly a week, you were sedated for a few days to let your body have the chance to recover,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Helen... shot me..." he said as he reached a hand up to the bandages on his chest. "Y-you said....Nick's clone got us out? He... he survived?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Helen did," Lester said softly, "the doctors weren't sure if either of you were going to make it out of the surgery, you've got a long road of recovery ahead of you Connor," he told him gently, "you both do," and there was a pause, "he did survive, he's staying at the ARC at the moment, he's helping provide evidence against Christine, Wilder and Helen,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He... turned on Helen?" Connor asked softly. "He... seemed reluctant at times but... he still did what Helen told him... until..." Connor trailed off figuring that it had been Helen shooting them that made the clone finally resist Helen. "Have... they been caught?" he asked as he laid his head back and sighed tiredly. "Or did... did they get away?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was quiet for a moment, "they haven't been caught,," he said, "but I'm doing everything I can to make sure they pay for what they've done, they're not going to get away with it this time," Then he considered the other part, "Nate doesn't want to do what Helen made him for, he has his own consciousness, I know it doesn't make up for what Helen did to you but he wanted me to give you this," and Lester took the wedding ring out of his pocket and held it out for Connor to see.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared at the ring in Lester's hand for a moment, almost trying to convince himself what he was seeing was real. "It's.... he kept it safe?" he said as he slowly reached out and took the ring. He held it for a moment, the memories of the day Cutter gave it to him flashing through his mind. "Thank you Sir. T-tell... Nate... I said thank you, this... this means a lot to me."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "I will," he said gently, "and I know its still early and I will let you and Cutter make the final decision but Nate would like to see both of you when you are well enough,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was silent for a moment as he carefully slid the ring back on his finger and looked a it. "I... I don't know. Maybe later I can... but I don't think I can right now" he said softly.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I understand," Lester nodded, "its entirely up to you and Cutter and Nate understands as well, even if you don't want to talk to him, its definitely a complicated situation, I'm not sure there's going to be an easy solution to this," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly and then closed his eyes as he ran his fingers over the ring. "When... when can I see Nick? Do I have to wait until he wakes up?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I would prefer you to wait until Nick wakes up," Lester said gently, "He's in the bed next to yours, its the same set up as last time, even though I don't expect the beds to stay apart for very long," he added as he remembered that very first day Cutter and Connor had woken up in the hospital last time.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to sit up and turn his head enough to see the other side of the room but he couldn't and all he managed to get a glimpse of was the curtain dividing the room. He sighed as he laid back, wincing slightly at the movement. "He'll wake up soon right? I woke up.. Nick should be waking up soon."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"We don't know for sure," Lester said gently, "in theory, he should wake up soon but due to the nature of his head wound, it could take a bit longer for him to wake up on his own," he said apologetically, knowing that wasn't the answer Connor wanted to hear.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He'll wake up... he has to wake up...." he said as he closed his eyes tightly. "Nick has to wake up.. we... we have too much...too much we still have to do... together.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I know Connor," Lester said gently, "and when he does wake up, you'll be the first person to see him," he promised, "it just may take a little more time, the doctors think sometime in the next 24 hours,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I... I want to know when he wakes up... please" he said not meaning to sound so pleading. "I just want to know when he's ok... even if I... I can't see him right away."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I will Connor," Lester promised, "you'll be the first person to know and as soon as the doctors give the okay, you can move the beds together," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he felt tears start to fill his eyes. He was feeling so many things all at once, all jumbled in his head, it was making his head hurt. He closed his eyes and tried to get comfortable in the bed again so he could breathe a little easier.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I'm sorry Connor," Lester said gently, wishing there was more that he could do, "would you like me to get you anything to eat or drink?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I... I don’t think I can eat anything... but some water would be nice" he said softly. "Th...thank you."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Of course," Lester said softly and went to pour Connor a glass of water, "would you like me to hold it for you while you drink?" he asked, not wanting Connor to exert himself too much.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly, feeling embarrassed and angry at how weak he was. Everything hurt and he could barely move or breathe. And he was scared about what was going to happen for him and for Nick. He sighed as he shifted enough to be able to drink a little easier as Lester brought the water over.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“Easy Connor,” Lester said gently, “there you go, nice and slow,” he said as he held the water for Connor as he drank.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor took a sip and then realized how thirsty he was and how dry his throat was and he started drinking a little more. "That feels good" he said as he paused and then drank a little more. "Thank you..."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"You're welcome Connor," Lester said gently, at least Connor was drinking some water, that was at least a start, "do you want some more water or would you like me to put it back?" he asked softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm good for now... thanks..." Connor looked at Lester suddenly feeling at a loss for words. "Thank you James.. for everything... without you, the ARC... I don’t know where I'd be..." Connor laid his head back against the pillow as a wave of pain washed over him. He knew on one hand without everything that had happened he'd likely still be a struggling college student with a fairly simple life. But there would have been so much he'd never have gotten to see or do... and he'd never be with Nick. And in his mind, that was what mattered.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“You’re welcome Connor,” Lester said gently as he put the cup back down on the tray, “I’m sorry that this has happened to you but you’re not alone, we're going to get you and Nick through this,” he had a feeling he could guess where Connor’s mind was right then.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly, eyes still closed. He was silent a moment then shift and winced again, everything was hurting now that he was awake and staying awake for more than a couple of minutes. "It hurts..." he said softly as his breath caught for a moment."Can we ask the doctors... for... something?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Of course," Lester said gently as he went to press the button that would alert the doctors to the room, "they're on their way now Connor, when you're feeling up to it, they'll also go over your medical care with you as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded. He didn’t like the idea of being there for long though he knew he would be. He wasn't looking forward to what all lay ahead. "I... I just want to get better.. Nick... Nick needs me" he said and he turned his head to where he knew Cutter was even though he couldn't see him.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"And you will get better Connor, you both will," Lester said softly, "you don't have to do this alone, anything that you need for your recovery and I'll get it for you," he told him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you Sir" Connor said with a soft smile as he closed his eyes when the doctor came in. "I... I know I wouldn't be here without you. all of you."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"You're welcome Connor," Lester said gently as he looked up at the doctor came in, "Connor needs another refill of his medication," he explained to the doctor. The doctor nodded and went to the IV and began to put the medicine in, "I'm also going to give you a mild sedative to help you sleep as well, it will help with the pain as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he tried to relax. He didn't like how much even breathing hurt. However bad it had been he knew it must have been really bad if he was hurting like this. He knew he'd find out the details later, but right then all he wanted was to stop hurting and to rest. "That sounds... good" he said weakly as he looked at the doctor as he worked on the IV. "It hurts... hopefully I can sleep some more."
Lester(thearcfamily)	The doctor nodded sympathetically as he finished filling up the IV, "its understandable Connor, you've suffered a significant trauma and its going to take time to repair and recover from it, both physically and mentally," he said softly, "my team is going to do everything we can for you and Nick,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly. It didn’t take long for the sedative to start kicking in and he started to feel even more tired. With his eyes heavy he fought to stay awake a little longer then a few minutes later he was out again, finally asleep and mostly pain free.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester watched Connor fall asleep, "thank you doctor." he said softly as the doctor made some notes on Connor's chart and walked over to Cutter's bed to check his vitals as well. "You're welcome," he said softly, "I'll come by to check on them later, see how their vitals are going," he nodded at Lester and then was gone. Lester sat by Connor's bed and picked up the comic book he had been reading to Connor previously and continued reading.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	At first Cutter was aware of nothing, he was asleep and unaware of what was going on and then slowly but surely he felt stabs of pain, he started to cry out, wanting to keep his eyes closed and fall back asleep. Eventually the pain became too much and his eyes opened, finding himself in the familiar surroundings of the hospital room.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny had been sitting by Cutter's bed for most of the day. She had been taking shifts with the others, alternating sitting with Cutter and Connor. She had relieved Abby that morning and had stayed by Cutter's bed ever since. She had a book in her hands but she really wasn't paying attention to the words as she read the same paragraph for the third time and nothing was sticking. It was then she heard Cutter moan and instantly the book was closed as she looked at Cutter. "Nick? It's me, Jenny... I'm here. You're ok" she said softly as she watched his eyes slowly open and look around.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Je...Jenny?" Cutter managed, trying to lift his head but found that he didn't have the strength to do that, "what...what happened ... where ... where am I ... Connor?" he gasped, "where's ... where's Connor?", he tried desperately to turn his head, trying to see where Connor was.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Hey... easy there... easy Nick" she said as he put a hand on his shoulder gently. "Connor is here. You and Connor are safe." She looked at him as he calmed down a little. "You're at the hospital Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Hospital...?" Cutter blinked as he tried not to move, everything hurt too much, "I .. .I don't ... remember what happened," he admitted as he tried to think back but everything was a blur and his head hurt.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny took a slow breath. They had been warned that with the head injury there could be some memory loss and confusion- the doctors had even warned them that Cutter might not remember them. So at least him knowing who she was was a good thing. "Yes, you and Connor are at the hospital. You both have been hurt badly." She hesitated a moment. "What... what is the last thing you can remember Nick?" she asked softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I ..." Cutter tried to think back, "I don't ... everything's a blur," he admitted, "I ... I remember Connor, Becker and I came back from South Africa, we were getting ready to go back to the ARC ... I don't remember after that," he had to close his eyes at that, his head was throbbing, "my head hurts,"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny bit her lip. At least Cutter was remember most things and it was just the recent memories that seemed to be a blurr.... she didn't want to think about it would have done to Connor if Cutter didn't remember him or their wedding or anything like that. "Nick..." Jenny said softly as she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "The ARC was attacked by Christine and Wilder. They tried to take over again. You and Connor... all of us.. were held prisoner at the ARC."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter tried desperately to see if any memories came back but none did, "Christine and Wilder ... did ... is that why we're in the hospital?" he asked faintly.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded... still wondering if she should bring up Helen yet or not. "We all took a beating, but you and Connor got the brunt of it. You both got shot Nick" she said gently. "That's why you are in the hospital."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Shot …oh no, Connor!” Cutter cried and then winced as a fresh wave of pain overtook him, “Is he okay, please tell me he’s okay Jenny,”
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny reached out and gently pushed Cutter back on the bed so he wouldn't try to get up. "Easy there Nick. You cant move right now" she said as she tried to calm him down. "Connor is alright. He's in the bed right next to you. He’s sleeping right now."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a moan of pain at the effort that took and lay back in the hospital bed, "how ... how did this happen?" he moaned, "what's ... how ... was it Christine?" he asked softly, it seemed like the kind of thing that she wouldn't hesitate to do.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny was silent for a moment then decided there was no point keeping the truth from Cutter. He would find out soon enough. "No... it wasn't Christine who shot you and Connor. It was... Helen" she said softly as she watched him closely to see what his reaction would be and if he would remember anything about Helen being back.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Helen?" Cutter repeated blankly, he still had no recollection of her being at the ARC or anything that had happened later that morning, "I ... Helen was with Christine and Wilder? I don't ... I still don't remember anything ..." he said softly, "I ... my head hurts,"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Helen is back. She was working with Christine and Wilder. They tried to get you and Connor to help them with the anomalies again" Jenny said gently as she gave Cutter's hand a squeeze. "When you both refused.... Helen shot you. That... that's why your head hurts so much Nick. She shot you in the head. Helen tried to kill you.. and... frankly the doctors were amazed you pulled through the surgery."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I ...she shot me?" Cutter trembled as he tried to remember, something ... anything ... "I ..." his voice faltered as he tried to process what he was feeling, "I ... did you stop Helen, is ... is she at the ARC?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"They got away before we could stop them. Our main concern was getting you and Connor to safety" Jenny said with a sad shake of her head. "We're doing everything we can to find them though and to stop Helen."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at that, Helen had shot him ... he'd survived ... Connor had been hurt ... "what ... what happens now?" he trembled.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Right now you rest. We focus on getting you and Connor back on your feet. It's going to be a long road" Jenny said as she took Cutter's hand in hers. "But you wont be alone Nick. We're all right here with you and will help you through this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip at that as the tears rolled down his cheek, "I'm ... thank you," he said softly, "is everyone else alright, are you alright?" he checked, he couldn't see if anyone else was in the room from his limited vision laying back in the bed.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"We all got roughed up... Sarah the worst... other than you and Connor" Jenny said as she gently rubbed Cutter's shoulder, wishing she could do more to help him just then. "We're doing everything we can to help all three of you" she said as she kept rubbing his shoulder for a few moments. "Is there anything I can do for you or get you Nick?" she asked softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"What ... what happened to Sarah?" Cutter whispered, afraid of the answer, "did she get shot too?" he had to take a moment, laying there with Jenny rubbing his shoulders, "can ... can I have some water please?" he finally managed.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze then went and got a glass of water and straw for Cutter. She sat on the edge of the bed and held the glass for him so he could drink. She watched him carefully and when he finished she gave a small sigh. "Wilder went after Sarah and Becker. Sarah got the brunt of it. She hit her head hard... she had to have surgery... but shes awake now" she added, trying to help Cutter not worry too much.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter moved his head as close as he could and took a slow sip of water, when he finished he laid back down in the bed, "thank you Jenny," he said softly. He closed his eyes at hearing what happened to Sarah, "oh god ...Sarah ...and Becker," he said and opened his eyes again, "this is all my fault," he said softly.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	”None of this is your fault Nick" Jenny said as she set the glass down and took his hand in hers. "This is all on Wilder, and Christine, and Helen. They are the ones doing this. You can't blame yourself for any of this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as the tears rolled his cheeks, "if I had just given Helen what she wanted in the first place, we wouldn't be in this position," he said softly.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"You know we cant do that Nick. None of us can give in to what Helen and Christine want" Jenny said gently. "You know that if they got the anomalies and the artifact, there's no telling what they would do- to the entire world. You cant blame yourself Nick. We all are having to make the same choice- and that is on Helen and Christine and Wilder. Not on you."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"But if I had ... Sarah and Connor wouldn't be hurt," Cutter said softly, "I could have stopped them getting hurt, fought harder for everyone to get released ... I failed," he had to close his eyes again, everything was hurting too much and he sobbed.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny gave Cutter's hand a gentle squeeze. "Shhhh you have nothing to blame yourself for Nick" she said softly. Just then the nurses walked in and she gave them a nod. "The nurses are going to give you a quick check over and then give you something to help with the pain and to help you sleep. You'll feel better and be able to rest."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter could only just manage to nod, "okay, thank you Jenny," he said softly, "is ... when can I see Connor?" he asked, trying to tilt his head enough so that he could see where Connor's bed was.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Connor is sleeping right now. We'll let you get a little more rest then when you wake up you can see him, how does that sound?" she asked gently as the nurses got the IV ready after checking Cutter's vitals.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small nod as he got settled in the bed, watching the nurse start to fill the IV, "that sounds really good," he said and let out a tired yawn, "thank you Jenny," he said tiredly.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Anytime Nick. You rest. Someone will be here at all times and when you wake up, we will see how Connor is and you see him" Jenny said as she rubbed his shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone Nick. You won't ever be alone."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, trying to see if he could spot where Connor was sleeping from where he was laying on the bed, he desperately wanted to see Connor but he knew that he needed sleep and he found himself starting to drift off again, "thank you," he said quietly as he eyes began to close, "you'll keep an eye on Connor as well?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Of course" Jenny reassured him. "I will let him know you've woken up as soon as he is awake again. He will be glad to hear that." Jenny helped adjust the pillow so Cutter could get comfortable and then took his hand and gently rubbed it as she watched him drift off. "Sleep Nick. We'll talk more when you wake up."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile as Jenny helped with his pillow and he got comfortable, "okay," he said softly, yawning as his eyes started to close, "when I wake up," he gave a small nod and then he was asleep.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny kept holding Cutter's hand for a moment then gently put it down on the bed and stood. She walked over to the other side of the room and peeked around the curtain to check on Connor. A few minutes later she was back and sat down beside Cutter's bed again and picked up the book she had been reading as she sat, keeping watch over the both of them and waiting for someone to come relieve her later that evening.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	At first there had been nothing and then slowly but surely Sarah became aware of the pain and her eyes opened in a panic and she had to immediately close them again when the lights were to bright, she whimpered and let out a cry.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had not left Sarah's side since he had been allowed in to see her. It had been nearly a full day and he had stayed right by her bed. In fact, he had finally gotten tired enough that he had fallen asleep leaning on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on Sarah's leg as she slept. The instant he heard her sob he was awake and looking at her with surprise and concern. "Sarah!" he said softly as he sat up and leaned over, gently putting his hand over hers. "Sarah, it's Becker. I'm right here... you're alright."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah tried to open her eyes again, adjusting to the brightness of the room, "Bec...Becker?" she gasped as she felt his hand on her, "what...what...where...what happened?" she trembled.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker held her hand gently, rubbing his thumb over her hand as he looked at her feeling tears start to sting his eyes. "You're safe Sarah. You're at the hospital" Becker said as he glanced around the small but nice private room she had been given. "Wilder can't hurt you anymore. You're safe now, I promise" he said as he lifted her hand and leaned over and kissed it softly, thankful that at least the one hand was free of IVs and leads.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"The ... the hospital?" Sarah asked, confused, "we ... we got away from Wilder?" she tried to think back to what she could last remember but it was hurting her head.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We did" Becker said softly. "Jenny and Connor and Abby found us. We're safe Sarah. The doctors ar taking care of you... you... are going to be fine" Becker held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze then stood from the chair where he was sitting. He knew it was against protocols but he didn't care just then. He wanted to be as close to Sarah as he could. He wanted to comfort her. Gently he slide onto the bed beside her and slipped his arm around her as he laid down beside her.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Tears rolled down Sarah's cheeks as she held Becker's hand and then she leaned against Becker as he climbed into bed next to her, "what's ... what's going to happen now?" she said softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We're going to get you back on your feet" Becker said softly. "The doctors said it will take some time. You hit your head quite hard. They had to do emergency surgery" he said softly as he held her close. "But, you are going to be alright. I'm going to stay right here beside you. I'm going to do what I couldn't do before... I'm going to take care of you Sarah."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled and let out a sob, "you have taken care of me Becker," she said softly, "you got me to the hospital, you got me away from Wilder," there was a pause as she considered the implications of what hitting her head meant, "I'm ... I'm not going to be able to go back to work am I?" she said quietly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"There's... a lot we dont know yet" Becker said softly as he tired to fight back the tears. He had to be strong for Sarah. "The doctors were worried you wouldn't make it through surgery or wake up. It's going to be a lot of waiting to see how things go. It's a lot of unkowns but... one thing you can guarantee, Im going to be right here beside you Sarah. I am not going anywhere."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah started crying at that, she loved her work and now there was so much uncertainty about her future, "I don't want you to go anywhere Becker," she sobbed against him, "please stay here with me,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker held her close, wanting nothing more than to run his fingers through her hair and kiss the top of her head like he usually did. But the hair was gone and Sarah's head was wrapped in a thick bandage. Becker closed his eyes as he laced his fingers with hers and held her hand firmly. "I am not going to leave your side, Sarah. I promise. You don't have to face this alone."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah kept crying against Becker, "I'm ... I'm scared Becker," she admitted quietly as the tears rolled down her cheeks, "I ... I ...I don't... I'm sorry," she finally said with a sob.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Sh-h-h-h you have nothing to apologize for" Becker said as he shifted slightly and pulled Sarah as close as possible. He knew the doctors would likely be in soon to check on Sarah but he didn't care. "I'm the one who is sorry... that I couldn't protect you from Wilder... that I couldn't stop him... I am not going to fail you again Sarah."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"It's not your fault Becker," Sarah said softly as she leaned in as close as possible, she went to push back her hair and then realised it was gone. She trembled, "do ... has Wilder been caught yet?" she wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt his heart break as he watched Sarah and bit his lip trying to swallow the sob he felt catching in his throat just then. "We haven't found them yet" Becker admitted softly. "But Lester is pulling every resource he can to find Wilder, Christine, and Helen. I'm throwing every contact I have as well. We're going to find him Sarah. He is going to pay for what he did to you, I swear it." Becker leaned over and kissed Sarah's cheek just as he heard the sound of the door handle click and the door start to swing open.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah instinctively tensed when she heard that door open and she leaned in closer to Becker, "who is it Becker?" she whispered, terrified, "has Wilder found us?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn’t hold back the sob as he felt Sarah trembling against him. "No you're safe Sarah... Wilder's far away from here" he said hoping it was true as he looked up at the doctor and nurse who came in. He gave them a somewhat apologetic look but made no move to let go of Sarah just then.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Hello Sarah, I'm your primary doctor, we're doing everything we can to treat you," the doctor said gently, "we just need to check your vitals and see how they're doing afterwards," Sarah trembled as the nurse came round to check the monitors, "I'm afraid I will need to draw some blood," she said apologetically. Sarah looked up at Becker terrified and clung tightly to him, not wanting him to go.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It's alright Sarah, I'm right here"Becker said gently. "Let them do what they need to take care of you. Im not leaving you, I promise" he said as he glanced up at the doctor and then to the nurse as she got ready to do the blood draw. "You are being so brave Sarah." Becker leaned over and kissed Sarah's cheek and leaned close. "I love you Sarah" he whispered softly in her ear.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah whimpered, "I love you Becker," she whispered back as she tried to brace for the needle, she had never liked needles and and now she was trying to stay calm as the nurse got everything ready so she could take the bloods.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker leaned in close and whispered softly in Sarah's ear, telling her how much he loved her, how brave she was and how they were going to get through it all together. He kept talking as the nurse did the blood draw and when it was all finished he gave her a gentle squeeze. As the nurse finished and got the vials packed away, Becker looked up at the doctor, not sure he liked the look on the man's face.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	The doctor cleared his throat as Sarah relaxed once the nurse finished, "I'm afraid we will need to do additional tests," he said softly, "in a couple of days Sarah will need to have an MRI and a CT scan, due to the nature of her head injury, we're going to need to keep monitoring Sarah, especially if she begins to display post concussion symptoms," Sarah reached over for Becker's hand fearfully.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And once the tests come back.... we will know what steps we need to take for her recovery going forward right?" Becker asked as he held onto Sarah's hand and tried to keep his own voice from quivering as much as it felt like it was.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled fearfully as she braced for what the doctor was going to say. "The MRI and CT should give us a clearer indication and what our best options are for Sarah's recovery, I'm afraid due to the nature of her injuries, a lot of this will be trial and error, there's not going to be a clear treatment plan," the doctor said apologetically. Sarah couldn't help it, she let out a sob at that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sat with his arms around Sarah silently for a moment, trying to process everything and what this meant. He held Sarah and gently rubbed her back as she started to sob and tremble against him. "We'll figure it out" he said softly trying to convince himself as much as Sarah just then. In that moment Becker knew what he had to do. Sarah needed him and right then, as she was recovering, she was all that mattered to him.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah kept sobbing quietly against Becker, not quite wanting to believe that this was all real, that the last few days had all been a terrible dream... "If you would like I can have the psychologist come round and talk with both of you?" the doctor offered, "she specialises particularly in cases involving long term medical trauma,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded to the doctor. "That might be good... eventually" he said still looking at Sarah and trying to give her as much support as he could. He knew it was going to take time and right then the last thing he felt like doing was talking to a stranger about what they had been through. And he had a feeling Sarah wasn't up for it just then. But eventually... it would be something they would have to face. "Right now... I want to stay with Sarah" he said, it being a statement as much as a request as he looked down at Sarah and then back to the doctor.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Please ... " Sarah croaked, not wanting to think about talking to a psychologist just then, "can Becker stay with me?" The doctor was quiet, "Becker can stay with you," he said, "the nurses will be coming in on a regular basis to check the vitals and draw more bloods and as long as he stays out of their way, I don't see a problem with Becker staying," he nodded.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt Sarah's death hold on him lessen some and he breathed a small sigh of relief himself. "I won't be any trouble I promise," he said with a nod. He was glad the doctor had said yes, he didn't know if he would have been able to hold himself back if they had tried to drag him out of Sarah's room just then....
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Very well, I'll come by to check on Sarah this evening when we get the blood test results back, that will give us a frame of reference to start looking at Sarah's treatment," the doctor told them. "Thank you doctor," Sarah said softly, not liking the idea of wanting to start treatment but she knew if she wanted to get better she would have to.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and watched as the doctor and nurse slowly left the room. When he and Sarah were alone he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, being as careful as he could to not hurt her or disturb the IVs, leads, and lines that were hooked up to the various monitors in the room. He held her close and let her head rest against his chest. "I love you Sarah" he whispered softly.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"I love you too Becker," Sarah whispered back as she leaned against him, she was tired and scared but at least she was still with Becker, "I will always love you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Rest. I will be right here. I will keep you safe Sarah" he whispered as he looked down at her, feeling the tears fill his eyes again. She was here because he hadn't been able to protect her, protect the team, he hadn't bee able to stop Wilder, he hadn't been strong enough... He had to make this right. He had to make sure Sarah was going to be ok.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wasn’t sure how long he’d been asleep once the medication had kicked in but he awoke much later on, still in pain but he tried to sit up, he needed to see Connor.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Easy there mate" Danny said gently as he turned from where he had been standing at the window looking out onto the streets. He walked over to the bed and checked on Cutter. "How are you feeling Nick?"he asked softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Everything hurts," Cutter admitted as he tried to sit up a bit more, wincing at the effort that was taking, "I want to see Connor, is Connor awake?" he asked softly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"He woke up just a little while ago" Danny said with a small smile. He helped Cutter get into a more upright position and adjusted the bed for him. "He's been asking for you as well." Danny glanced to the curtain that was still dividing the room. "Just take it easy alright? No getting too excited. And remember, you both have been through the ringer" he reminded him gently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "thank you Danny and I will, I promise, I won't even try to get out of the bed," he added, mostly because he was pretty sure at this point even he couldn't move with how much everything was hurting right then.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded and then stood up from the bed. "Alright. You can see Connor now." With that Danny disappeared behind the curtain for a moment as he spoke to Connor and then the curtain slid back. Connor was in the next bed, still hooked up to all the various machines and his arm still in the sling. As soon as the curtain was pulled back his eyes locked onto Cutter. "Nick? Oh Nick...." he said as he instantly felt his throat tighten as he fought back the tears.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked over at Connor, he wasn't able to keep those tears from falling down his cheeks as he saw Connor hooked up to the machines and in the sling, he was the reason that Connor was hurt, "I'm so sorry Connor," he sobbed, wishing that he could go over to Connor but he knew he was attached to various machines of his own.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh Nick... hey, It's alright. I'm here... It's right" he said as the tears fell freely, wanting so badly to go and just be with Cutter and hold him. "I... I..." Connor's voice caught as he looked over at Cutter and saw how bad a shape he was in. "I love you Nick..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I love you so much Connor," Cutter sobbed, wishing he could be with Connor on the other bed and stared at him, "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"None of it's your fault Nick" Connor said through the tears. "I... I was so worried about you. I... I'm sorry I couldn't stop Helen."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The tears were falling harder at that, "I ... I don't remember anything about the attack ... that Helen was there," he said softly, "I'm, I'm sorry that she did that to you, that she hurt you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached out his hand against the bed as far as he could, wishing he could at least touch Cutter, hold his hand. "It's alright Nick. You're here... you... you're going to be ok" he said as he looked at Danny then back to Cutter. Danny watched them for a moment then put a hand on Cutter's shoulder. "I'll go let speak with Lester and the doctors. They are waiting outside. I'll see if they'll let us move the beds" he said with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter tried to do the same, moving as close to the edge of the bed as he could, wishing he could be there with Connor. It wasn't the same. being in the same room. "Thank you Danny," Cutter said softly, still holding out his hand trying to reach Connor, "that would be really good if you could do tha for ust,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched as Danny slipped into the hallway. He hoped they would let them move the beds together again. He didn't know what was worse, not being able to see Cutter, or seeing him and not being able to touch him or be with him. It felt like an eternity but was only a few minutes and Danny walked back in with Lester and the doctors. Connor looked at them hopefully, the lump in his throat making it so he couldn't say anything just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared at everyone, hardly daring to hope that they would be allowed to have the beds moved together, that he could be with Connor. One of the doctors cleared his throat, "we've decided that if you both promise to be careful and don't try to get out of the bed, you can move the beds together," Cutter sank back into his pillows at that, "thank you," he trembled, "I'll be careful," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor let out an audible sigh too at hearing that. "Promise. No getting out of bed. Will be extra careful" he said with a nod. "Th... thank you" he said as he looked from the doctor and Lester over to Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The doctor nodded, "very well," he said as he looked at the two of them, "let's see about getting these beds put together?" Lester and the doctors began to move the monitors so that they could start to push the beds together.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat as still as he could in the bed as they moved things around and then slowly slid the beds closer. Once they were together and everything was in place Connor reached out his one hand and clung to Cutter's hand as soon as he could, thankful he had at least one hand that was free to be able to do that. He looked at Cutter as the tears started to fall again, the lump in his throat making it hard to say anything. "Nick.... oh Nick..." he said softly as he held his fiance's hand tightly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn't stop those tears from falling as he clung to his fiancé, he wanted to be able to do more, he wanted to be able to hug Connor but right now it wasn't possible. "I love you so much Connor," he sobbed as he tried to get as close to Connor as he could.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Once the beds were in place Connor was still clinging to Cutter's hand. He shifted slightly moving to the edge of the bed as much as he could. He glanced at Lester and stopped and reached out his hand and gave a small smile through the tears as he was able to reach Cutter enough to brush the tears away at least. "I'm here Nick... I'm right here..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter just sat there sobbing and holding Connor's hand, he didn't want to let go now that he was holding it, "I'm so sorry, this is all my fault," he trembled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just gently stroked Cutter’s cheek, wiping away the tears as they fell. He wanted to just pull him close and hold him and let him know that everything was going to be alright now that they were together. "You can't blame yourself Nick" Danny said gently from where he was standing by the foot of the beds. "It's not going to do anyone any good and will just be giving Helen and Christine what they want."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sat there crying, leaning into that touch as much as he could, "but it is my fault," he protested weakly, "He...Helen wouldn't have shot Connor if it wasn't for me, no one would have been hurt if it wasn't for me," he closed his eyes and the tears kept coming.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"If it wasn't you it would have been me, or Danny, or Lester, or someone else" Connor said softly. "Helen would have always found someone to target, we all would have ended dup in her sights eventually one way or another. You were just the top of her list. That doesn't mean it's your fault."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Connor and Danny are right Nick," Lester said softly, "you are not to blame for what happened, the only person responsible for Helen's actions is Helen and we're doing everything we can to catch her, " Cutter kept sobbing quietly as held Connor's hand, "what ... what's going to happen now?" he asked softly, looking up at Lester, Danny and the doctors.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Right now the focus is on getting you two back on your feet" the doctor said softly. "The rest of the team can focus on ARC business and everything else. Right now the two of you need to focus on getting better. It will be a long recovery, unfortunately" he said softly. "But you have the best team here to take care of you." Connor clung to Cutter's hand and nodded slowly as he looked over at Lester and Danny. "Everyone else is... is going to be ok right? Becker... Sarah.." he asked softy.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter clung tightly to Connor's hand, he was scared of their recovery, especially after what had happened last time. It wasn't gong to be like last time ... Lester hesitated and looked at Danny, "I'm afraid Sarah will have a long recovery ahead of her as well," he said softly, "she hit her head quite hard and her scans have shown lesions on the brain," "Oh god, Sarah," Cutter said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor closed his eyes when he heard that and trembled slightly. He was scared and worried about what was going to happen. Not just to him and Cutter but the rest of the team as well. not caring if he got lectured for it he shifted again, sliding closer to Cutter and leaned his head against his fiance's shoulder and clung to his hand. He just wanted this all to be a bad dream, though he knew it wasn't.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	One of the doctors noticed Connor moving closer and opened his mouth to protest but Lester saw and shook his head, indicating to let them be closer. Cutter started crying again as he leaned against Connor and this time didn't stop.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor wrapped his arm around Cutter the best he could and held him close, as tears of his own started to fall. They were alive, they were together, but there was so much uncertainty still. It made him dizzy thinking about it all. A few minutes later Connor took a shaky breath as he opened his eyes and his gaze fell to the ring on his hand. He thought about how Helen had taken the ring, and about how the clone... Nate... had given it back. He knew eventually he and Cutter would have to talk about that too.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned against Connor sobbing quietly but then he followed Connor's gaze and noticed that the ring was back on his hand, "you got the ring back?" he said in disbelief, he had thought for sure that the ring was gone when Helen had taken it, "did James find it?" he looked over at Lester curiously to see if maybe Helen had dropped the ring during her escape.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor glanced at Lester then to Cutter. He knew he didn't really remember Helen attacking them so he wasn't sure if he would remember the clone or not. "Nick... do you remember anything about Helen and Christine taking over the ARC? Before we got shot?' he asked softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter hesitated, he had been trying to remember the day of the attack but his last memory was still the morning that he and Connor were getting ready to head back to the ARC, "I don't remember anything, the last thing I still remember is us getting ready to head back to the ARC after our trip," he said softly, "I'm sorry,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter's hand a gentle squeeze. "It's ok Nick. We can talk about it later. The important thing is we got it back. And we are together again." Connor held Cutter close as he glanced over at Lester, a worried look on his face as he did.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, still feeling overwhelmed by everything. Lester also looked worried at that as he shared the knowing look with Connor. One of the doctors stepped forward, "its possible Professor Cutter's memory may come back as the brain begins to repair itself, sometimes when we go through something traumatic, the brain makes us forget until its ready to cope," Cutter trembled at that, "what if I don't remember?" he said quietly, looking at Connor fearfully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then we deal with it and move on" Connor said softly. "You remember me. The team. You remember what happened up to that." Connor leaned his head against Cutter's shoulder and trembled slightly. "I was so afraid that... when you woke up you.. you wouldn't remember anything... wouldn't remember me" he said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm sorry I worried you Connor," Cutter trembled, as he leaned against Connor, "I could never forget about you, I love you so much Connor,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And I love you too Nick" Connor said as he held him close. "I love you so much. We are going to get through this. I promise."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned against against Connor, wishing he could wrap his arms around him but he had to focus on what he could do right then, which was holding Connor's hand and being able to lean against him, "I know we'll be able to get through this together," he said softly, "we're not going to let Helen and Christine win,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly. "Love you Nick" he whispered as he stayed there beside Cutter even as he looked at the doctor and then to Lester. He didn't know what was going to happen and that terrified him, but he knew he had to try and be strong for Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Love you Connor," Cutter said softly, not wanting to move away from Connor. "You'll be having more tests and scans in the next couple of days," one of the doctors told them, "and that will help us determine your treatment, for today, I'd like you to get as much rest as possible and then once we get the scans, we'll be able to start you on physical therapy," Cutter grimaced at the idea of physical therapy, remembering what that had been like last time, "okay," he said softly as he held onto Connor's hand.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then we deal with it and move on" Connor said softly. "You remember me. The team. You remember what happened up to that." Connor leaned his head against Cutter's shoulder and trembled slightly. "I was so afraid that... when you woke up you.. you wouldn't remember anything... wouldn't remember me" he said softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Love you Connor," Cutter said softly, not wanting to move away from Connor. "You'll be having more tests and scans in the next couple of days," one of the doctors told them, "and that will help us determine your treatment, for today, I'd like you to get as much rest as possible and then once we get the scans, we'll be able to start you on physical therapy," Cutter grimaced at the idea of physical therapy, remembering what that had been like last time, "okay," he said softly as he held onto Connor's hand.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded, too tired and exhausted to say anything just then. He closed his eyes and just tried to focus on the feel of Cutter there beside him. "We'll give you both something to help you sleep" one of the nurses said with a small smile as she moved to Cutter's side of the beds. "And we'll be in to check on you both throughout the day and to get you anything you want or need," she said softly. Connor nodded. "Thank you," he said softly, really liking the idea of just going back to sleep right then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter yawned then as he snuggled close to Connor and tried to get comfortable, "thank you," he said softly as the nurse began to fill his IV, he started to drift off to sleep, "love you Connor," he murmured.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Love you Nick" Connor whispered as the nurse came to his side and did the same, the sedative taking effect as he relaxed and was soon drifting off to sleep.