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It was a few days later and Cutter and Connor were coming back from their first appointment at the hospital following their release, it had been a hard therapy session and Cutter was looking forward to get back to Lester’s apartment and resting on the couch.
“It will be good to get back,” he said, “I’d forgotten how exhausting those intensive therapy sessions were,”
[preplayed with the amazing
anomaly_research_nerd. CW for mentions of gunshot violence. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]
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Connor ![]() |
Connor sank onto the couch with a sigh as he closed his eyes and nodded tiredly. "I'm glad it's just like once a week for the therapy and then once a week for the other checks... but I forgot that basically means cramming 2-3 sessions into one. Definitely glad to be back and looking forward to some rest." |
Cutter ![]() |
"I know what you mean," Cutter said, yawning as he tried to get comfortable on the couch, "as tiring as it is, at least we don't have to be staying at the hospital for them, I definitely don't want to see that bed again any time soon," he felt his eyes start to close. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor nodded and yawned as he leaned against Cutter a little. "Couch is definitely much better than the hospital any day" he said as he slipped his hand into Cutter's and felt his eyes start to close a little. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter smiled and leaned against Connor and held his hand, "definitely better on the couch," he said tiredly, "at least we got our first session out of the road," |
Connor ![]() |
"Aye one down... the rest will hopefully get easier from here on out" Connor said as his eyes slid shut and he started to drift to sleep, barely hearing the sound of Danny and Lester moving around and talking somewhere else in the apartment. |
Cutter ![]() |
"That would be nice," Cutter yawned again and then he began to drift off to sleep but stirred slightly at the sound of talking, it sounded urgent but he was so tired he couldn't quite make out what Danny and Lester were saying. |
Connor ![]() |
In his sleep Connor stirred a little and put his arms around Cutter as he tried to ignore the voices in the background of his dream and go back to sleep. He was still really tired. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter leaned in close to Connor as he tried to sleep but those voices were getting closer and more urgent and he found his eyes opening as he tried to figure out what was going on. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor forced his eyes open and looked around in confusion. "Nick? what is... are you ok? Danny?" He asked as he looked over to see what was going on and what Lester and Danny were talking about. |
Cutter ![]() |
"I'm okay," Cutter assured him as he straightened up and looked over at Danny and Lester, "what's happening?" he asked worriedly. Lester came over at that point, "we've had reports from the security team outside, they think someone is casing the apartment they're on high alert," "Helen?" Cutter said nervously, leaning against Connor closely. "We're not sure yet," Lester admitted, "we're taking every precaution, nothing is going to happen to either of you," he assured them. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor instinctively tensed and wrapped his arm around Cutter at that, his heart jumping up into his throat. He looked at Lester and then turned to look towards the doors leading onto the deck outside. He could see Danny out there on the coms talking to the security team but he couldn't hear anything he was saying. His hand tightened around Cutters as he looked at him worriedly. "Nick..." |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter trembled as he held Connor's hand tightly, "is there anything we can do?" he didn't like the idea of just sitting around and waiting for something to happen. "If it comes to it, you need to be prepared to hide in one of the bedrooms," Lester told him, "it will be secure, I want you to stay there until myself or Danny comes and open it," Cutter didn't like the idea of hiding but he bit his lip and nodded, terrified but nodded, hoping it wouldn't come to that. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor swallowed hard and clung to Cutter as he sat there, really not liking the feeling of just waiting to see what would happen. He heard Danny call out to the others on the security team and he had to resist the urge to turn and see what was going on. He was almost afraid to know. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter kept trembling as he held onto Connor as Lester went to follow Danny and get an update on the situation, "what if ... what if Helen's found us or Christine?" he was trying not to think about what would happen if it was them. |
Connor ![]() |
"We'll be ok... Danny and his men will know what to do" Connor said, wishing he sounded more confident as he sat there on the couch and held Cutter close. His eyes shifted down to the hall, towards the bedroom door before he looked back at Cutter. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter leaned against Connor, trying to stay focused on the fact that they were safe that Danny and Lester wouldn't let anything happen to them and then he could hear angry shouts from outside. He tensed considerably, "what do you think is happening? Do you think we need to head to the bedroom?" he asked worriedly. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor looked back towards the voices and then held Cutter's hand tightly as he started to stand slowly. His eyes darted down the hall again then back to Cutter. "Maybe.... maybe we should?" |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter slowly started to stand and jumped when he heard the sound of gunfire, it took him a moment to remember that he was safe, he was with Connor, "I think we should head to the bedroom as well, Lester or Danny will get us when its safe," he shook nervously as he tried to remember to breathe. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor jumped at the gunshot and pulled Cutter to his feet as he glanced towards the backyard. "Come on" he said all but pulling Cutter along behind him as he headed down the hallway and got the door to the bedroom opened. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter took several gulping breaths as he followed Connor to the bedroom, tears were rolling down his cheeks as he tried to stay calm, "do you think they're alright out there?" he asked nervously as he entered the bedroom. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor had to swallow past the knot in his chest as he closed the door behind them. "Danny and Lester can take care of themselves" Connor said trying to not tremble as he locked the door once he had it closed. He wrapped an arm around Cutter as he stood there staring at the door. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter could only nod as he leaned against Connor, tears still rolling down his cheeks, he was terrified that Christine or Helen had found them and all they could do was wait. "They'll be fine, we'll be fine..." he said in a voice barely above a whisper. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor held Cutter close, trying to blink back the tears of his own as he slowly sat down on the edge of the bed that was in the room. As he wrapped his arms around Cutter he saw flashed back to when they had been in the cell, waiting for Helen and Christine to come back for them. Connor closed his eyes and took a shaky breath as he tried to keep himself calm and listen for any sounds coming from the other side of the door. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter clung tightly to Connor as they sat on the edge of the bed, trying to focus on the '5...4...3...2...1' technique but it wasn't helping, he eventually closed his eyes, hoping that he could the sound of Lester or Danny coming for them. He couldn't hear any more shouts of gunfire but he knew that could mean anything. |
Connor ![]() |
It felt like an eternity as they sat there, waiting. Then suddenly Connor thought he heard footsteps outside the door and then the sound of the knob on the locked door turning and stopping. "I love you Nick" he whispered as he pulled him close, staring at the door. |
Cutter ![]() |
For a moment Cutter couldn't breathe, "I love you Connor, so much," he sobbed, a fresh wave of tears rolling down his cheeks and then the door opened. He kept his eyes closed, waiting for it to be either Christine or Helen. "The situation's under control," it was Lester and Cutter breathed a shaky side of relief, "its safe to leave now," |
Connor ![]() |
Connor couldn’t hold back the sob of relief that escaped when he realized it was Lester. He clung to Cutter and trembled slightly as he looked over at Lester. "Is... is everyone ok? What... what happened?" |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter kept clinging to Connor, still terrified of what they had just experienced. "The security team is still trying to work that out," Lester said softly, "but there was one shooter, we don't know if it was connected to Christine or Helen, it doesn't look like it was one of her clones ... " he sighed, "it may not even have been connected to you two either, they could have been after me," he admitted, "I've made a lot of enemies over the years, it was only a matter of time before someone tried to come after me, finish the job," he looked at Cutter and Connor, "I'm doubling security, after today I'm not taking any more chances," Cutter took several shape breaths as he tried to process that, "than...thank you James, for ... for keeping us safe," he managed to get out. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor tried to get his breathing under control as he still looked around nervously. "Hopefully it... had nothing to do with...any of us" he said softly as he turned to look at Lester. "It's because of us, isn't it? And the ARC? Everything you do for the team... makes you a target" he said with a concerned look. "I'm sorry it... that it's that hard and all." |
Cutter ![]() |
"it wasn't your fault," Lester was quick to reassure him, "this job comes with a lot of risks but I've also been working in government for a lot longer as well, not to mention all my missions when I was Special Ops, I'm sorry that you've been caught in the crossfire, especially given everything you've been through," he said softly. "It wasn't your fault James," Cutter said softly as he wiped away the last of the stubborn tears, "I'm just glad that everyone is okay and we're safe now," |
Connor ![]() |
"And we are" Danny said as he walked over and joined them and put a hand on both Cutter and Connor's shoulders. "Everyone is good, no one got hurt, and we are going to be on guard." Connor nodded as he leaned into that comforting hand a little. "Hopefully no more excitement like that. That was quite enough" he said with a small nervous chuckle. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter relaxed a bit at hearing that and Danny's hand on his shoulder, "than you Danny and I agree, can we avoid something like happening again?" he shivered at hearing that gunshot, "do you think we can take it easy for the rest of the day? Maybe get some Chinese for takeout?" he asked hopefully. |
Connor ![]() |
"I think that sounds like a perfect idea" Danny said with a nod as he gave them both a gentle shoulder squeeze and then pulled out his phone. "I will go order enough Chinese for all of us, the guys included. I think we all earned it today." "Thank you Danny, that sounds really nice" Connor said as he sat down on the couch, suddenly realizing how much he was still shaking. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter gave a small smile at that, "thank you Danny," he said softly and then joined Connor on the couch, he saw how badly Connor was shaking and he wrapped his arm around Connor and gave him a hug. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor sat down and leaned into the hug with a grateful nod. "I'm... I'm fine. I'll be alright Nick" he said trying to sound convincing. He looked from Lester to Danny and took a shaky breath as he leaned against Cutter. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter looked worriedly at Connor as he kept his arm around him, "what ... what's going to happen now?" he asked, looking at Lester and Danny. "I'll be doubling security, as I mentioned earlier and that will include extra security when you go on your hospital visits, after today I'm not taking any chances that something like this could happen again, I got complacent, even with the security already in place, I won't make that same mistake again," Lester assured them. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor gave a small shiver as he looked down at the floor a moment. "Guess we should probably stay inside for the next couple days too after this huh?" He didn't like the idea of being coupled up but he didn't think he would be able to go outside for a bit anyways after what just happened. |
Cutter ![]() |
Lester nodded, "I know how much you've been enjoying your walks outside but I'm afraid we're going to have to stop them for the next few days til we get the extra security," Cutter grimaced, he had enjoyed the extra freedom that being at James' place had given them and now they were going to go back into lockdown, "well I suppose we can manage for a couple of days," he said softly. |
Connor ![]() |
"Will give us a few days to just focus on resting and getting our strength back and all right?" he said trying to look at the positive. "Just relax, sleep, take it easy for a little while. We can manage that right Nick?" |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter nodded, biting his lip a little as he tried to not worry about the possibility of another attack and the extra security, "we can manage it," he said softly, "I think after today taking it easy for the next few days would be a good," he stared down at his hands before looking back up at Connor with a small smile. |
Connor ![]() |
"Still better than being at the hospital stuck in that bed right?" Connor said with a small smile, trying to focus on something good rather than the nervousness he felt still churning inside. "And just for a few days" Danny reassured them. "Just till we get things set up and make sure we got the place secured and monitored a little better." |
Cutter ![]() |
"Definitely better than the hospital," Cutter agreed softly with a small smile, "and we don't have to wear ankle monitors this time either," he added, as he tried to focus on something positive as well. |
Connor ![]() |
"And we are all glad for that one" Danny said as he gave them both a grin and then headed out to put the order in for the food delivery. "Maybe we could binge watch some shows after dinner too, unwind and relax a bit" Connor said as he looked over at Cutter with a small grin. |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter smiled at that, relaxing a bit more, "watching some shows after dinner does sound nice," he said, "just being able to watch something and not think too hard about it, I really like the sound of that," |
Connor ![]() |
"Sounds like it is a night for some reality TV shows" Connor grinned as he leaned over and gave Cutter a hug. "But I like the sound of that, dinner then just relaxing and vegging for the rest of the evening." |
Cutter ![]() |
"Do you think we could watch |
Connor ![]() |
Connor smirked as he heard Lester give a small groan from somewhere behind them. He knew he wasn't a fan of the reality shows and tended to stay busy when they watched them. "I think it sounds good. Nice way to relax and just... enjoy some time together." |
Cutter ![]() |
And Cutter giggled when he heard the sound of Lester groaning, "that sounds absolutely wonderful then," he grinned, "Chinese takeout, watching reality tv and being together, I'm looking forward to it," |
Connor ![]() |
Connor grinned and reached out and pulled Cutter close and kissed him softly. "Sound good to me." |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter smiled, as he leaned in close to Connor and happily kissed him back, he knew as long as he had Connor they would be alright, they would get through the next few days til the new security arrangements were made. "no complaints here either," he said contently. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor smiled as he slowly broke the kiss and smiled at Cutter, forgetting for a moment that Lester and Danny were still there. "Sounds like a good time to me. A very good time." |
Cutter ![]() |
Cutter went rather red as he smiled happily at Connor, "it does doesn't it? It will definitely help with relaxing after the events of today," he added. |
Connor ![]() |
Connor smiled as leaned back down on the couch nodding for Cutter to join him. After everything, he was definitely looking forward to some relaxing time with Cutter... and with Lester and Danny too of course! |
Lester ![]() |
Lester had worked from home the last several days after the security scare and now that the new security arrangements were in place, he had decided to go into the office and do some work there. He still had plenty of her paperwork to catch up on so he was going to be in his office for a while. |
Jenny ![]() |
It had been a long time since she had been to the office. Lester had been away for a while and work at the ARC had moved on as best as it could. But now that Lester was back, at least for the time being, she needed to speak with him. "Hello Lester, Sir" she said as she poked her head in through the doorway. |
Lester ![]() |
"Ms. Lewis, please come in," Lester looked up from his paperwork, grateful for the interruption, "what can I do for you?" |
Jenny ![]() |
"I am sorry for dropping in like this sir. I just... wanted to discuss a few things with you. If that is ok, unless you are busy?" Jenny said looking around almost nervously. |
Lester ![]() |
"It's not a problem at all Ms. Lewis, I know how chaotic things have been recently, I'm sorry that I haven't been around us much as I would have liked to have been," Lester said apologetically, "and I'm never too busy for my team," he reassured her, looking at her curiously as Jenny seemed rather nervous, something that he very rarely saw. |
Jenny ![]() |
Jenny sat down with a small sigh. "It has been a hectic time for all of us Sir. I... I know you have a lot on your plate and a lot we are trying to figure out. But I... I need to talk to you about the immediate future." |
Lester ![]() |
"Of course," Lester nodded as he put down the papers that he was working through, "what would you like to discuss with me Ms. Lewis?" |
Jenny ![]() |
"I... I need to ask you for a... a leave. Of... of absence" Jenny said her voice quiet as she sighed. "Just temporary.... but I think I... need a little reprieve." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester looked at Jenny in concern, "I know this has been hard on everyone," he said gently, "you're a valued member of our team Ms. Lewis, your leave is approved, I am pleased to hear that it is only temporary, you will be sorely missed while you're gone," he added. |
Jenny ![]() |
"The.... the leave is temporary but..." Jenny hesitated and looked up at Lester then down to his hands as he fiddled with his fingers a little. "I am not sure I can keep doing this... the field work. I... it's too much, too hard anymore." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester looked at Jenny thoughtfully, "it has been a hard couple of years on everyone," he agreed, "I know your job was never meant to go out in the field to the extent that it did but we're grateful for the help that you gave us, would you prefer to go back to handling the PR side of things for us or was there another job that you had in mind?" |
Jenny ![]() |
"Thank you Sir, I really appreciate that" Jenny said with a small sigh. "I... I think I would like to go back to the more PR side of things. I don't mind helping...in the field now and then. But everything that's happened... Cutter and Connor... Sarah..." Jenny took a slow breath. "I cant keep having to face that...so up close like this." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester nodded, "then I'll make the necessary arrangements so that everything is prepared for when you come back from your leave," he told her, "you'll always have a place on our team Jenny," her said, becoming informal for a moment and using her first name, "whether its out in the field or behind the scenes, we're grateful for everything you've done," |
Jenny ![]() |
"Thank you, James" Jenny said following suit with the more casual tone for the moment. "I appreciate everything the ARC and the team has done and are doing. I still want to be involved. I... I just think I know for sure now... I am not cut out for field work." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester nodded understandingly, "field work ... is definitely something else, especially with our line of work Jenny," he admitted, "I've been reviewing some of our security measures, trying to lessen the dangers our team face ... there's not going to be an easy solution," he said softly, "considering how close we came to losing more members of our team ... I don't want there to be a repeat of what happened with Stephen," |
Jenny ![]() |
"I agree sir, I know this is not the best time to be taking leave. But I will do what I can to try an formulate some ideas that can help us better manage things. Security, the press, logistics in general." |
Lester ![]() |
"I'll appreciate any help you can give us in regards to logistics," Lester told her, "at least it can help give us a framework to deal with, there's just still so many variables especially with Christine, Wilder and Helen still on the run," he sighed, "not to mention dealing with everything with Nate and trying to make sure his identity is secure," he admitted. |
Jenny ![]() |
"I can take on Nate's case, work a little more closely with him and the security detail" Jenny suggested. "I am sure we can come up with a short term plan while we work on a cover story and figure out the long term arrangements for him." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester nodded, "that would be most helpful thank you," he said softly, "at the moment I've told the government that he's Cutter's long lost twin but if someone were to start poking holes at the story, it would fall apart," he admitted, "but I knew we had to have something in place to stop Whitehall sniffing around thinking Cutter and Nate are valuable in the interim," |
Jenny ![]() |
"I can fortify the long-lost twin story if we want to stay with that" Jenny said with a little moment of thought. "I can work to create some paper rails, make it look a little more believable and all. Buy us more time to hopefully get Christine, Wilder, and Helen taken care of." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester tilted his head thoughtfully, "actually that would be really helpful thank you," he told her, "the only people other than us who know Nate's true identity are Christine, Wilder and Helen, if we can find them and bring them in with an established story for Nate that's one thing they can't use that against us," he considered. |
Jenny ![]() |
"I know it is not ideal, but even once we have a more solid cover story in place, I think it would be best fore everyone if Nate stay at the ARC at all times. Even with a cover sorry and ARC monitoring, there's too great a risk of Wilder or someone nabbing him" she looked at Lester apologetically. "There is only so much a cover story and PR will do. It will buy us time but I think Nate will need to get use to the idea that the ARC is his home now, for the foreseeable future." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester grimaced slightly at that but he knew Jenny was right, "it's not ideal yes," he sighed, "but I agree, we need to keep him at the ARC, I will make sure to tell him that he is not a prisoner, he's free to move around the ARC but right now for his own safety and that of the ARC's, he will need to stay here with us," |
Jenny ![]() |
"I'll also look into finding something he can do here at the ARC, let him feel helpful... I know for me feeling bored and useless is the absolute worst. Might help him adapt and cope a little easier?" |
Lester ![]() |
Lester looked at Jenny thoughtfully and nodded, "then if you're sure, we'd be grateful for the help," and then he considered the last part, "its been a lot," he admitted, "more than we usually deal with," he stared down at the various paperwork that he had on his desk, "but I've got a good team supporting me," he gave a small smile at Jenny, "we'll get through this," |
Jenny ![]() |
"We will" Jenny said with a small nod. "I wont take long for my leave and I will have something to get us started on for Nate when I do." She looked at Lester still somewhat concerned. "Please let me know if you need me back sooner sir." |
Lester ![]() |
Lester nodded, "Take as much time as you need for your leave Jenny, you've definitely earned it with how much you've done for these last couple of years, I'll keep you updated on any developments that happen while you're gone," he reassured her. |
Jenny ![]() |
Jenny nodded as she stood and made her way towards the door. "We will get through this. I know we will" she said with a small half smile before disappearing down the hallway. |