A Room at a Private Hospital - London

[itsananomaly]

Another few days had passed and Cutter's nightmares had steadily been getting worse, the latest one seemed to involve Helen making a clone of him, which he couldn't remember anything about and it had left him really unsettled, he startled himself awake and it took him a few minutes to calm his breathing down to remember that he was at the hospital with Connor that Helen wasn't with them. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. CW for medical trauma, recovery and emetophobia. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!].

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nick? Nick are you alright?" Connor asked as he had just woken up as well. He reached out a hand and put it over Cutter's gently. "It's ok... I'm right here Nick... You're safe."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I ..." Cutter took several deep breaths, "I ... I had another nightmare," he said quietly, blinking back tears as he tried to calm down.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shifted as he sat up and moved closer to Cutter and pulled him into a light hug. "I got you" he said as he gently rubbed Cutter's back.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled and sobbed as he tried to calm down, as Connor rubbed his back, "it ... I ... did Helen make a clone of me?" he finally asked after a few moments, "that's what I dreamed about but I wasn't sure ... if it was just a nightmare or she really did that,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor rubbed Cutter's back in silence for a moment then sighed. He knew the memories were likely to start coming back. "Yes" he said gently, watching Cutter. "Helen made a clone of you. It's how she was able to bypass the security and sneak up on us like she did."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at that and shivered, it was real, Helen had really done that ... he suddenly felt sick and started gagging as he began to bring up what little food was in his stomach and he reached for the sick bag that was on the tray table. "I'm sorry," he managed to get out, tears rolling down his cheeks as he vomited.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor rubbed his back gently, trying to comfort him. "Shhhh there's nothing to apologise for Nick. I'm sorry... that this all happened... that you have to know about it... like this" he said softly as he tried to comfort Cutter as best he could.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter finished emptying the contents of his stomach and leaned back miserably, "How could she have done that? I mean I know it's Helen but to create a clone of me?" he stared at his hands in dismay, then another thought came to him, "Is the clone still alive?" he wasn't sure what he wanted the answer to be.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Slowly Connor reached out and laced his fingers with Cutters and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "He's alive. He... is the reason we got out after Helen shot us" Connor said softly, watching Cutter closely. "He disobeyed Helen's orders and stayed to help us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter held Connor's hands, trembling, "oh ... what's ... what's going to happen to him?" he couldn't even begin to process that Helen had made a clone of him, that the clone was alive, that he was the reason that they were alive.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He wants to call himself Nate" Connor said softly knowing this was a lot for Cutter to try and deal with. "Right now Lester has him at the ARC in one of the security cells. Just utile they know for sure what is going on and what Helen's current plans are."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh..." it was all Cutter could think of it to say, "Nate's a nice name," he stared down at the bed, his mind a jumble, "have ... has he said anything about what Helen's plans are do you know?" his stomach churned again as he couldn't help but imagine Helen cloning a whole army that looked like him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Lester wants to talk to us about some things they found out. He said you don't have to see Nate if you don't want" Connor reassured him. "Nate understands." Connor slipped his arm around Cutter and rubbed his back some more, worried about how he was handling all of this.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as he leaned against Connor slightly, "I ... I don't know," he said softly, "it ... how you prepare for meeting with a clone of yourself?" he blinked back some tears, "I mean he got us out of there I'm grateful but I don't know yet if I can see him," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's alright Nick. We'll get through this... Im going to be right here beside you."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath, "thank you," he said softly, "are ... do you think you'll ever meet Nate?" he asked softly, knowing how weird this would have to be for Connor as well.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I might. If only to tell him thank you. I... I made him promise to get you to safety and he did.... I owe him a thanks for that at least " Connor said as he looked down at his hand. "Nate is also why I have your ring back" he added with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile at that, "I did wonder about that," he said softly, "I'm glad you were able to get it back, I still would have gotten you another ring," he added as he stared at the ring on Connor's hand.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know but this one is special" Connor smiled and leaned over and rested his head against Cutter's shoulder. "I am glad I got it back. Helen must have forgotten she gave it to him. When I woke up, Lester gave it to me and told me Nate had given it to him."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a smile at that as he rested his head against Connor's, "I'm glad that Nate was able to do that, maybe I'll see him at least once, like you said to be able to thank him, I'm sure James will be working on a plan to be able to help Nate, once we know for sure what Helen's ultimate plans are, I wonder what Nate told him?" he couldn't help but wonder.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor hugged Cutter gently. "We'll find out when Lester comes and sees us I guess," Connor said though he too had to wonder just what Helen's end game was and what was really motivating her to go to such lengths to get to that future anomaly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he carefully returned the hug, "and then we'll work on a plan to stop Helen, once we know what she's planning, I mean once we're well enough to that is," he added, knowing that they weren't quite ready to plan an attack of their own just yet.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll get there. Just going to take some time" Connor said knowing the irony of that considering they were dealing with anomalies and Helen trying to get to another time. "At least the team is alright for the most part and we are going to be able to regroup and keep fighting."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "Helen tried to stop us but we're still here," he said softly, "we're going to pull through this, we're not going to let Helen win,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he held Cutter close. He was about to say something when there was a knock at the door and Lester walked in. "Oh Lester, Sir" Connor said as he shifted and tried to sit up a little more.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Nick, Connor," Lester said as he greeted them, "how are you both feeling today?" he noticed Cutter had looked like he had been crying but was trying to hide it. "I'm alright," Cutter said, his voice shaking a little that Lester didn't believe for a second but he wasn't going to push.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"How's the rest of the team doing?" Connor asked, giving Cutter the chance to not have to talk for a bit. "Danny and Becker and Sarah? Are Abby and Connor ok too after everything?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Abby and Connor are doing alright, as well as can be expected," Lester told him as he sat down on the chair near Connor's bed, "they're helping getting everything back up and running at the ARC, they said to tell you that both Rex's are doing well," he paused, "Danny's fine too, I am worried about Becker and Sarah though," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm glad they are doing alright" Connor said hearing about Abby and Connor and he couldn't help but smile hearing about how both Rexys were getting along. His face fell though when Lester mentioned Becker and Sarah. "They still don't know if shes’ going to be able to return to work?" he asked softly, noticing the look on Lester's face.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester shook his head, "I'm afraid not," he said softly, "she's still having trouble walking and she's been getting severe migraines, it ... she might not be able to return to work," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached over and clung to Cutter's hand and closed his eyes at that. "Oh Sarah.... and Becker' he said as he felt the tear stinging his eyes.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter trembled and held Connor's hand tightly at that. He knew Sarah had been hurt badly but he didn't realise just how bad it had been. "We're doing everything we can for her," Lester said gently, "I've got the best specialists looking after her, Sarah's in good hands," he reassured them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you. You have always taken care of us Sir. We know you will give Sarah everything she needs" Connor said, wanting Lester to know how much they appreciated everything he did for them and the rest of the team. He fell silent for a moment, not really knowing how to bring up the topic so he figured he would just ask and let Lester know they had already talked a little about it. "How... how is Nate doing?" he asked softly.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"From what we can tell he doesn't have any memories until the day he was cloned," that was still a weird sentence for Lester to say, "the only thing he knows for certain is that Helen kept referencing to her book, site 333, he wasn't sure what that meant, she told him that she was going to fix it but he didn't know how," Lester looked at Cutter and Connor, "does that mean anything to you, site 333?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It...sounds familiar but... I am not sure why" Connor said as he thought back and shook his head. "Whatever it is, it can't be good. If Helen is interested in something that happened there... it has to be something important, somehow."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter tilted his head, "that does seem familiar, the number 333 but I don't remember why it," he said softly, "but Connor's right, if Helen's focus is on this number 333 we need to stop it," Lester looked at Cutter and Connor, "well we'll continue searching, seeing what we can find, at least we have some idea of what Helen's looking into, even if there's no clear plan, its something," he sighed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Do you think it has something to do with the future anomaly? She seems obsessed with getting back to that future animal and finding a way to stabilize it" Connor said thoughtfully. "I wonder if that 333 has something to do with that anomaly and the future somehow?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"It's possible," Lester said softly, "we know that's why she was working with Christine, for the access to the future anomaly but beyond that ..." Cutter was quiet, wishing there was more that he could do but his head was hurting too much to try and think at that point, "Helen wouldn't be going to all this trouble unless she thought she was going to achieve her goals, its ... everything would have to be linked," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll figure it out" Connor said with a small nod. Even without knowing what it is and what her end goals are, we know enough- it's important to Helen which means we have to stop her, no matter what." He gave a small sigh, wishing he was able to think of something more substantial or helpful just then.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "we will," he agreed, "I've already got Abby and Connor going through possible references to site 333, I thought if you two knew as well you might be able to figure it out as well when you're up to it, Helen is not going to get away with this. We're going to stop her and Christine," he assured them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you Sir, for... well everything" Connor said as he looked at Lester. "You do a lot and don't get thanked enough- I know it's a lot we put you through and a lot you have to do to deal with everything Helen and Christine and Wilder do. But thank you. It means a lot."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was very careful to not show emotion at that but there was a flicker of surprise at that as Connor thanked him, "you're welcome Connor," he said softly, "I'm sorry that this happened to the two of you but I promise we're going to get through it," he added. "Thank you James," Cutter said tiredly as he leaned against Connor, as the lack of sleep from the previous nightmare started to catch up to him, "and Connor's right it does mean a lot," Lester watched the two of them, "you'll be back at the ARC before you know it," he said, allowing a small smile.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small lopsided smile and leaned against Cutter as he let out a yawn. "We're not going to stop until they are stopped. We just.... have to get out of this bed first" he said with a sheepish laugh as he let out another yawn.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"And you will, you're getting stronger every day, the doctors are very pleased with the progress that you're making," Lester told them as he noticed how tired they were getting, "it won't be long before you'll be able to get up and move around more," he said confidently. Cutter's eyes started to close, "thank you James," he said tiredly, "thank you for everything,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and nodded as he felt his eyes start to close as he laid there resting against Cutter. He was still worried about what was going to happen and what Christine and Helen were planning, But for now they were safe, they were together, and the team was going to get better- all of them That was what he was going to focus on as he gave another yawn and soon drifted off to sleep.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester watched Connor and Cutter drift off to sleep, he was still worried about them even though they were making really good progress. He knew he was doing everything he could do to help them and he was going to keep making sure that progress continued and that nothing like this happened again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Another few days had passed and Cutter was starting to get restless in between the physical therapy and the counselling sessions that they had started doing, he wanted to be anywhere but the hospital room but he knew they still weren't well enough to be venturing outside yet. "When do you think they'll let us go outside?" he asked Connor as he flipped through one of the palaeontology magazines that Jenny had brought him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked over from where he was sitting on the edge of the bed. He wasn't thinking about getting up... much, He was just stretching and changing positions.... "Hopefully soon. I feel good enough to get out there and Im getting tired of being stuck in the bed other than doing therapy every day!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I know what you mean," Cutter sighed as he also tried to get in a more comfortable position, "it would be nice just to be able to go out for even a couple of hours, just for a change," he gazed longingly toward the window, maybe he could stand up and have a walk to the window, that would be alright wouldn't it?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know they said we could go soon, start having lunches outside once in a while. Hope it starts up soon," Connor said as he watched Cutter. "Be careful Nick" he said softly, having an idea of what he was thinking about doing.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That would be nice, getting to eat outside," Cutter sighed and then nodded, carefully getting into a sitting position and carefully swinging his legs over the bed, "I won't be long, just to the window and back," he promised and then he very slowly began to stand up, finding his legs still didn't have their strength and he found himself wobbling a bit.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Be careful Nick" Connor said again as he watched in concern. "Need me to call one of the nurses?" He watched his fiance carefully, hoping he would be alright.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter tried to get his balance as he stepped from the bed, thinking he was okay and then he began to slide down again towards the floor, reaching out to grab the bed as he did to soften his fall, "I think I need one of the nurses," he said sheepishly as he realised he wasn't going to be able to get back in bed by himself.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was already pressing the call button for the nurse when he saw Cutter start to slide down to the floor. "Are you ok Nick?" he asked, the concern evident in his eyes as he looked over at him, wanting to help and check on him but knowing he was just as likely to end up on the floor himself.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm okay ... I think," Cutter winced a little, "I ... I guess I overestimated how far it was to the window," he admitted as he waited for the nurse to come in, "my legs hurt a little but otherwise I'm fine, mostly my pride is hurt," he added sheepishly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was about to say something when the nurse came in, eyes immediately going to Cutter. "Nicholas Cutter!" she admonished as she went over and started to gently help him up. "I should chain you to the bed... if I wasn't impressed yu were actually able to get out of bed on your own" she said with the faintest of smiles. "But next time call, and we will help you get out of the bed anytime you want a change of scenery ok? We don't want you hurting yourself all over again after all this progress right?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced at the use of his full name, really glad that the hospital records didn't know what his middle name was and looked rather sheepish as the nurse helped him up, "it seemed like a good idea at the time?" he tried, his cheeks going rather red, "I just wanted to look outside," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We both are just a little restless is all" Connor said trying to lessen the nurse's attention on Cutter. "Well we can look about rearranging the beds so you can see out the window more" the nurse said with a soft smile. "And I heard a little bird talking out at the nurse's station that they might be letting you go outside for a little while."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's eyes lit up at that, "really?" he asked hopefully, "that would be amazing if we could, I remember how nice that was last time, just getting to be outside after everything,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It would really be nice- would make the days easier to get through" he said as he looked at the nurse hopefully. "I will see what the doctor says when I speak with him this evening," the nurse said as she got Cutter situated back in the bed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you," Cutter said with a small smile, both for the help getting back into bed and speaking to the doctor about getting to go outside, "that would be really good if we could go outside, it would be a nice change of scenery," he said, his gaze flickering to the window again.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I will do what I can" the nurse said with a nod. "But in the meantime, I think you have some visitors here who can help take your mind off things for a bit." Connor looked at the nurse who smiled and then glanced towards the door to see if he could see who as coming to visit them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked curiously to the door and then broke into a smile when he realised just who it was who had come to visit him, "Connor, Abby," he smiled, "its so good to see you," he noticed the bundles of blankets they were both carrying and he wandered just what was under the blankets. He got an answer very shortly by the loud happy chirps that were coming from the blanket.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor broke into a grin when he saw them walk in and the grin got even bigger when he heard the familiar chirps coming from the blankets. "Oh guys you didn't...." he said though the grin on his face said he was so very happy that they had!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We thought you might like some cheering up," Abby smiled as one of the Rex's poked their head out of the blankets and began chirping excitedly when he saw Cutter and Connor. "Hey Rex," Cutter smiled, "how have you been? Have you been helping with the rebuilding of the ARC?" Rex let out a stream of happy chirps. "Thank you for this Abby and Connor, it's also really good to see you too, how have you been?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he watched the other Rex do the same and jump out of Abby's arms fly over to him and curl up in his lap. "Well hello there buddy. It's so good to see you" he said as he gave Rex scritches."' "We're doing alright" Abby said as she smiled. "Glad we could come by and keep you both company for a while."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as the other Rex flew over to him, chirping happily and letting him know everything that had been happening at the ARC and with the other Rex. Cutter reached over to give scritches to Rex and eventually got settled on his lap, "I'm glad you're doing alright, thank you for doing this, we're both starting to get a bit restless here," he admitted, which wouldn't really come as a surprise to anyone.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter a somewhat knowing smile and laughed. "Yeah this is exactly what we need, thank you both of you. I'ts really good to see you after everything. How have things been back at the ARC?" "Going as well as can be expected... cleanup and all is just about done so just trying to adapt to the new normal" Cutter's Connor said as he sat down with Abby at the foot of the beds.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was quiet for a moment, just taking the focus on giving Rex all the scritches, "I'm sorry that you got caught up in everything," he said softly, "I'm glad that you're both okay,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not your fault Cutter" Abby said as she reached out a hand and gently patted his leg. "No one could have known what all Helen and Christine were planning... what lengths they would go to... what they'd be willing to try." She didn't want to mention the clone specifically since she didn't know how much Cutter remembered or knew yet about him. "We are here and that is what matters." "Aye" Connor agreed as he gently rubbed Rex's back as he curled up in his lap like he usually did and fell asleep. "It will take time. but shes not stopped us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he focused on patting Rex, who was also starting to get sleepy, "we got through this and and we'll continue to get through this," he said softly, "we're not letting her stop us,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh that would be really good" Abby agreed with a nod. "We could come visit and spend some time outside. Would be nice for a change of scenery for sure." "And its one step closer to us being able to get out of here" Connor said. "It's the progress we need and have been working towards."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, "that would be really great if you could do that," he said, "I know I'm starting to get restless being in the bed," that was an understatement Cutter, "but hopefully it won't be that long and we'll be back at the ARC," he said with a hopeful smile.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We have some new tech we've been working on" Cutter's Connor said with a grin. "And Danny and I have been working on some new security protocols and security systems to help keep the ARC secured as well." “I’m sure the two of you will find and fix every weak spot there is in the system" Connor said with a grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, "I bet the two of you loved doing that, finding all the loopholes," he said, "has Danny been running his security drills again?" he knew how creative Danny could be when it came to those.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh he is driving us batty at times" Abby said with a fond laugh. "I think he's trying to keep busy though so its good... keeps him out of Lester's hair a bit." Connor had to chuckle at that. "Its funny how much they have gone back and forth, ever since Danny first met the team... he and Lester have seemed to be at odds yet always seem to be able to still work together. Kind of amazing really."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "that does sound like Danny alright," he said, "and so much has changed since Danny joined the team, I know we got off on the wrong foot but I'm glad he's on our side," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah who would have thought he would go from arresting us on trespassing charges to being the head of security for us at the ARC?" Connor said with a grin. "I'm glad he's here though, the team is much better off - especially with everything Christine keeps throwing at Lester to try and get control of the ARC."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Hopefully this is now the last time that Christine is going to try anything," Cutter said hopefully, "and she'll never be able to step inside the ARC again," He knew that Christine was likely to find a way back to the ARC but right now he was focusing on the fact that right now she was far away from the ARC and them as possible.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded, also trying to focus on the positives just then. "Soon as we are back on our feet we can really start trying to figure all of this out and find a way to stop Christine... and Helen... once and for all. I just wish I knew why this site 333 thing still just feels familiar...."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "I know what you mean, site 333 ... " he mused, trying to see if his memory was any clearer since that conversation with Lester, "I've been going over it but I still can't figure out what this has to do with the future anomaly or why Helen is so interested in it ..."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor thought for a little more then shook his head. "I cant think of anything right now. Maybe once we are out of here we can look through some of the books and records at the ARC? See if there's any mention anywhere with past anomalies of anything to do with seeing 333 somewhere or hearing anyone else mention site 333?”
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, feeling a little tired after his attempt to get out of bed and trying to think to hard about site 33, "I think that's a good idea," he said softly. "I don't think we're going to find it in the hospital bed, unless we can some books brought to us," he considered. "We've been looking for you in the meantime," Abby offered, "and if you'd like we can bring over the information for you to go through when you're feeling up to it?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That would be great if you could" Connor said with a nod. "Would give us something to do to stay busy and to help out some while we are still here." "Aye but only if you still rest and follow orders" the nurse said as she poked her head into the door with a smile. she looked at Connor and Abby and gave them a small nod and a wink. "And I heard tell the doctors will be making their rounds soon so any... unexpected... visitors might need to come back another time for another visit" she added with a fond smile as her eyes went to the two Rex's.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The Rex's let out a sleepy chirp as Abby and Connor began to gather them in their blankets. Cutter looked very sheepish at that, "alright I'll make sure I don't try and get out of bed again on my own," he said as he sank back down in the bed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he helped Abby get Rex bundled back up in the blanket. "It really was good seeing you, thank you for the visit" he said with a smile. "Our pleasure. It's good to see you two looking better, you had us worried for a while there" Abby said. Then she leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Connor's forehead and then walked over to Cutter's side of the bed and did the same. "Take care of yourself. We will visit again soon." Connor smiled. "Aye we will- promise."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "thank you Abby and Connor for visiting," and his smile widened as the Rex's poked their head out of their blankets for one last look, "and thank you for bringing the Rexs' to visit us, it was just what we needed," he told them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he watched them slip into the hallway and out of sight. With a small happy sigh he reached out and took Cutter's hand in his and held it as he leaned his head against Cutter's shoulder. Without meaning to he gave a small yawn.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled tiredly as he held Connor's hand, leaning against Connor as the nurse began to start doing their nightly checks before the doctor did his round, "I love you Connor," he said softly as he found himself also letting out a tired yawn and his eyes began to start closing.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I love you too Nick, more than anyone or anything" Connor said giving his hand a squeeze as his eyes slowly closed. He knew they would have to wake up when the doctors came by, but right then he was happy to just be with Cutter and to relax with him for a bit after the nice visit
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter happily returned the hand squeeze and enjoyed the few minutes they had where they could rest for a bit before the doctors came by, for the first time since everything happened, he was feeling more hopeful that they were going to be okay and that they would get through this.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It didn't take long, as happy and relaxed as he felt, for Connor to drift off. Things would get better. He just knew they would and he was going to focus on that and just being there with Cutter as they worked on the rest of their recovery- together.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah had lost track of how long she had been in the hospital, everything was a blur of tests and doctors visits and she was just grateful that she had Becker there with her, she would not be able to do this without him. Especially in moments like this when she was a in lot of pain from her reoccurring migraines, so far no tests had been able to detect what was wrong and it looked like she was going to be in the hospital for a while longer. "Becker..." she whimpered as a wave of pain washed over her and her eyes closed, "my head hurts,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was sitting on the edge of the bed where he had been all morning as the doctors did their morning visit and check in. He reached out and switched out the cold rag on Sarah's head for a fresh one and gently stroked her cheek. He hated seeing her in so much pain and feeling so useless to help her. "The nurses are going to be by soon with your next dose of the pain meds" he said softly, trying to comfort her the best he could.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah tried to nod but even that small amount of pain hurt her head, "I ... I don't have to do any therapy today do I?" she wasn't sure if she'd be even able to lift her head at that moment.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"No" Becker reassured her gently. "They know this is a bad flare day... you won't have to get up unless you want to" he said as he leaned over and laid down beside her, being as careful as he could to not jostle her too much. I'm not going anywhere either. I promise Sarah. I'll be right here."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah whimpered in pain and leaned against Becker, letting out a sob of relief at that, “thank you for staying here with me,” she said softly, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I will always be here Sarah... I'm going to fail you again" he said softly as he held her close and gently ran his hand up and down her back. "We're going to get you better and we are going to go home, and we are going to have that good life like we talked about" he said, thinking back to when they had talked some at the cabin.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah managed a small smile at that as she leaned against Becker, "I do like the sound of that," she said softly, "going home, being together ..." she hesitated, "what if I can't ever go back to work?" she said fearfully, "they're not going to let me go back out in the field are they?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was quiet for a moment as he laid there beside Sarah and held her close. "Likely not" he finally said softly, still rubbing her back slowly. "But there's still things we can do... you can still work at the ARC if you want. I can work with you wherever you end up. We'll figure it out, together."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled as Becker rubbed her back, fresh tears began to fill her eyes, "my whole career has been academics and research, if ... if my migraines keep happening, what if I can't do that anymore?" she said softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You are so much more than just those things Sarah. You are so smart and intelligent and strong. We will find what works best... together" Becker said. "You are going to overcome this...I know it."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah let out a sob, "I don't feel strong right now," she said tiredly, "I feel so weak," she admitted quietly as she lay next to Becker, "I just want everything to stop hurting," the tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker just laid there with his arms around Sarah and held her close. He was about to say something when the nurse came in to add the next dose of medicine to the IV. "Good afternoon Sarah" he said softly, knowing how bad the migraines could be. "I have your pain meds here and we're also upping the dose for the migraine medicine too. You should hopefully feel better soon."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Thank you," Sarah said softly as she did her best to look up at the nurse from where she was laying in Becker's arms, "its ... its a really bad migraine today," she told him, wincing at how much that small movement hurt.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to swallow down the lump in his throat as he watched the nurse. He looked at Sarah and held her closer as he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Are there any other options we can try?" he asked as he looked at the nurse as she worked.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	The nurse looked thoughtful as he got Sarah's medicine ready, "the doctors were talking about starting Sarah on one of the stronger medications if this current dose doesn't work," he told them, "I'm afraid due to the nature of Sarah's injuries that a lot of this is trial and error, it may take us a while to find a combination that will work," Sarah took a deep breath as she tried to sit up so she could take her medication, she let out a cry of pain at the effort that it was taking to do that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sat up and slipped his arm around Sarah and helped her sit up, pulling her against him so she didn't have to move as much. "Here... I got that" he said as he took the cup with the pills from the nurse and the cup of water as he helped Sarah take them. "There you, nice and easy.... just a little more water then you can lay back down" he said softly.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah trembled as she took a deep breath and took the tablets, “it…it hurts,” she whimpered as she managed to drink the water.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Just a little more" Becker said encouragingly, knowing a big step in getting Sarah out of the hospital was her being able to eat and drink more on her own.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah whimpered but she managed to drink a bit more water, some of it ended up dribbling down her chin, "do I have to have to have any more?" she wasn't sure if she could drink anything else, she just wanted to lay back down in the bed.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker set the glass down and gently wiped up the drips as he placed a soft kiss on Sarah's forehead. "No you did very good Sarah" he said as he helped her lay back down, adjusting the pillows to try and help her get as comfortable as she could. "You can rest now. I will be right here waiting for you."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	The nurse finished making notes in Sarah's charts, "the doctor will be round later, he'll discuss different treatment options with you then," he told her. "Thank you," Sarah said softly and let out a tired yawn as she got comfortable in bed and reached out a trembling hand for Becker to take.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker spoke to the nurse for a moment the as she left he got back into the bed beside Sarah. He moved as close to her as he could get and held her hand firmly but gently in his. As he lay there beside her, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand, Becker started to softly hum then sing. It was one of the songs she had caught him humming to himself when they had been holed up in the cabin.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah clung to Becker's hand as she lay there curled up beside him and listened to the song that he was humming, she found it very soothing and for a while she could forget about about everything that was happening and just focus on being there with Becker as the medicine started to kick in.
Becker(thearcfamily)	He didn’t know how long he stayed there, and it didn't matter. Even as his arm started to fall asleep and his back started to protest the position he didn't move. He stayed by Sarah holding her close as he kept softly humming and singing to her as she tired to rest and get some sleep. "I love you Sarah" he whispered softly before he started humming the next song.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"I love you too Becker," she said quietly as her eyes began to close and she started to drift off to sleep, "I love you so much, thank you for staying with me,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I am never leaving you again Sarah. I promise" Becker said as he kissed her forehead softly. "You rest. I will be right here. I will protect you... I promise."
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Okay," Sarah said softly, her eyes still closed as sleep began to take a hold on her, "I love you Becker," and then she was asleep.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker watched as Sarah fell asleep and stayed by her side and kept watch as she drifted off to sleep. No matter who came into the room, Becker was there keeping watch until he finally started to nod off a little himself.