The Cretaceous

[itsananomaly]

Becker took a deep breath as he carried his supplies back into the cave, leaving Connor, Nick and Danny outside. As much as he didn't want to do this, this was Connor and Nick's decision and the sooner they helped Stephen, the sooner they could continue on their way to finding a new anomaly. "Stephen?" Becker said as he approached the blankets where Stephen was laying, "my name is Captain Becker, I'm here to help you," [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen opened his eyes and tried to sit up but he could barely move just then. "They decided not to come... not that I blame them..." he said softly, meaning Cutter and Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker knelt down to began tending to Stephen's wounds, "it was hard for them," he said softly, "they wanted to help you but this is a lot for them to process, they've been through a lot since they were rescued,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know.. I... I don't deserve anything better.. from them" Stephen said softly, wincing a bit as Becker worked. "I was supposed to die that day... they deserve better... its why I... I never bothered to try and... make find a way back" Stephen admitted.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was quiet for a few moments as he considered what to say, he did agree with that sentiment that Connor and Nick deserved better but he knew that wasn't going to help with the situation, instead he focused on the next part of cleaning Stephen's wounds, "I can't make any promises what's going to happen after this," he said simply, "that's up to Nick and Connor, we'll make sure your wounds are looked after and then we'll decide in the morning," he didn't want to get Stephen's hopes up that all would be forgiven once he was better.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I... I know..." Stephen said softly. "I'll accept their... decision. I don't deserve their... forgiveness." Stephen sighed and closed his eyes again as Becker finished up... everything hurt and he knew this was more than he deserved after everything he had done. "Just... get them back home... ok? Somehow... someway..."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded grimly as he finished the last of the stitching, "I'll get them home," he promised, knowing that was one thing that he could do, "now you need to eat, I do have an MRE from our ARC pack, its not much but it will help you keep your strength up, do you want to try and eat or would you like me to help you?"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'll... I think I can manage" Stephen said as he slowly sat up, leaning back against the rocky wall as he fought back the momentary dizziness that came with the movement. Once it was ready Stephen slowly started to eat. As he sat there his eyes drifted to the fresh stitches in his leg that Becker had just finished. One more scar to add to the collection he was accumulating it seemed. If he was even bothering to look at him once he was done, Becker would have easily seen a few more- a large scar on his shoulder that kinda looked like a bite mark of some kind, a couple long cuts along his arm, and the most obvious a scar running along from his ear to his chin. "Thank you... Becker was it?" he said softly as he ate.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had noticed those scars as he'd worked and was honestly impressed that Stephen was still in one piece, considering he was supposed to have died that day in the Menagerie, there had been nothing left of him to bury but here he was, scarred and alive. "It's Becker," he nodded as he watched Stephen eat, making sure he was okay and then was silent for a bit as he tried to figure out what to say, "have you been in this cave the whole time since you arrived?" he asked, at least he could figure a rough map of where the anomaly had appeared for Stephen and if it was possible for them to trek back to the location.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"For the most part" Stephen said as he paused for a moment from eating. "Spent the first few weeks scouting the area but once I found this place... kind just stayed. I... I never planned on trying to go back so..." his voice trailed off and he gave a weak shrug. "The anomaly was about a 2 day hike, back East" he said simply, having an idea of what Becker's plan was. "Just... be careful going back through that one... it probably still leads to the menagerie" Stephen said with a small shudder, he didn't know what all had happened since that day but he figured it was worth the reminder of what might be there waiting on the other side.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"The menagerie's been closed," Becker told him, "when you closed the door, you stopped those creatures as well, there's nothing left of them," Becker figured Stephen deserved to know what happened to the Menagerie after everything had happened, at least he would know his sacrifice hadn't been in vain despite everything that had happened. He paused as he worked out a rough map in his head, "well that hike should be doable enough, once we get enough supplies," he considered.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen sighed and visibly relaxed a little at that. "Good... that's good at least" he said as he closed his eyes, trying to get those last few moments being trapped there out of his head. "The hike back isn't too bad... there's a small uphill bit but it should be... manageable?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, "okay, uphill shouldn't be a problem, the trek to get to the anomaly that led us here was all uphill, so I think everyone should be fine with that," he said, "if we can get to the anomaly site, hopefully by that point its reappeared and there isn't a wait to get home, assuming there's a future for us to get back to and we haven't made a mistake in the past," he admitted, all of this future past timeline thing was still confusing to him.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen gave a faint smile and a weak chuckle at that as he nodded. "It's... part of why I kinda stayed put. I... I knew I didn't have a place back home... after what... what I did. But I also knew I could.. really mess things up if I did too much here."
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I still don't quite know how this all works," Becker said softly, "I never thought I would have ended up back in the past after everything that's happened, Special Ops training doesn't quite prepare you for this," he sighed, "I just have to hope that anomaly is there, that I can get them home,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nothing will prepare you for the insanity of the anomalies and what they hold" Stephen said with a weak laugh. He then looked at Becker with a somber nod and went quiet for a moment, wanting to ask something but being uncertain about it. "How... are Nick and Connor doing alright together?' he asked softly at last.
Becker(thearcfamily)	“They’re …they’re doing okay,” Becker said softly, “it’s been a tough year for them,” there was a pause as he considered what to tell Stephen, he knew there was history between him and Nick, “they did get engaged earlier in the year,” he finally settled on.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	A small somewhat sad smile passed over Stephen's face at that and he nodded,the smile growing as he looked at Becker. "Good. That's.. that's good. They deserve to be happy together."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker noticed that initial sad expression, “they do deserve to be happy, they’ve had a lot happen to them, that I don’t think they’d have survived if they didn’t have each other,” he admitted.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen nodded and thought back to when the last times he had seen them were- Cutter saying he loved Connor and saying how he had missed what he and Stephen had once had... Stephen sighed and closed his eyes suddenly feeling really tired. "They will be fine together."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, "they've got a good team looking out for them," he said, "they'll pull through this as well, I'm going to do everything I can to get them home," he promised.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen nodded, his mind still racing and trying to really process everything. And part of his heart and mind were still trying to decide if he wanted to see them or not. Shaking his head slightly Stephen went quiet and looked at Becker. "Thank you" he said simply.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You're welcome," Becker said softly, there was an uneasy pause as he wasn't sure what to say, he didn't want to get Stephen's hopes up that Cutter and Connor would want him to come back with them and he knew it wasn't his place to offer any assurances, "is there anything else I can get for you, do you need more water?"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I... I'm good. Just tired" Stephen said with an awkward look at Becker before he sighed and looked down at his hands. "You've done... more than I deserve already" he said, not able to look at Becker just then.He knew he didn't deserve any of this help and he also knew that there was no reason to expect anything from Cutter and Connor other than their anger and hate. He deserved it. "I... I think I need to sleep a little more..."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, "alright, I'm going to be staying in the cave here tonight if you do need additional help," he told Stephen, "I'll go and tell the others how you're doing and then stay in the cave, at least until the morning anyway and then we'll decide what to do,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen nodded as he laid back down. He watched as Becker stood and headed out and once he was gone Stephen pulled the worn blanket around him and rolled over back to how he had been. With his back to the cave entrance he trembled slightly as he stared at what had become the very familiar stone wall. "Connor... Nick..." he whispered softly as a silent tear rolled down his face.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had had an uneasy night sleep with the news that Stephen had not only survived the menagerie but he was here with them. He knew they still had to make a decision about Stephen but he was trying to not think about that, he just wanted to get towards the anomaly site and hopefully home. That was when he began to feel rain drops start to fall, "Oh this isn't good," he said softly as he looked up at the sky and how menacing it looked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had also not had the best night, having spent much of the night dozing in and out, watching Danny on his patrol and snuggling up to Cutter trying to wrap his mind around everything that had happened. He was still asleep from where he had finally dozed off when he felt the cold drops of water start to slowly fall down on them. "Oh you have got to be kidding me...."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter huddled close to Connor, shivering a little as those droplets of rain fell on him, "maybe it will just be a little rain and we can continue on with our trek?" he said hopefully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Hope so..." Connor said as he shifted a little under the tree they had been sleeping under, trying to stay as dry as possible. He looked over towards the cave and then to Danny as he came back from his patrol of the area.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny walked over to them, "this weather's not looking good," he remarked, "I think this is going to slow us down," he said softly, "how are the two of you holding up?" he had been keeping a close eye on them during the night and knew they hadn't had a good night's sleep.
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor kept his arms wrapped around Cutter and shrugged a little. There was no point in lying, he knew Danny had seen him awake for most of the night. "We can still head out... the rain won't be too bad right?" He asked hopefully.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I'll have to talk to Becker, see what he thinks," Danny said softly, "ideally I would like to head out and make up some ground but the weather will make that difficult," he looked back in the direction of the cave where Becker had stayed guard over Stephen, "we'll have breakfast and then decide whether or not to chance the trek,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded silently and sighed as he looked at Cutter. They didn't have a lot for food at that point so it was mostly the berries they had managed to forage before getting to the cave and a few other little things- but it was better than nothing. Connor didn't say anything until he heard a sound and turned to see Becker coming out of the cave at last. "Becker..." he said with a small nervous look on his face, wanting to ask how Stephen was but at the same time not wanting to talk about it at all.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker noted Connor's nervous expression and Cutter was looking rather anxious as well, "Stephen's doing much better," he told them, "it will take a few days for him to fight off the infection but as long as he keeps the wound clean, he'll be alright," he said gently, figuring that they were torn between wanting an update and not wanting to hear about Stephen. "Speaking of Stephen, I've just talked to him, apparently its really dangerous to go out in these parts in the rain, he said that was how he could injured in the first place," he looked apologetically at Cutter and Connor, "I think we're going to have to stay in the cave for a few days, I know we don't have much food, we might be able to do additional foraging but we won't be able to go far," "Oh," Cutter looked towards the cave, where Stephen was, his stomach churning, he really didn't want to see Stephen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker shook his head, "apparently these storms can get quite bad, it may be another four to five days before it clears up enough for us to continue to the anomaly site, I know I'm asking a lot of the two of you but you don't have to go near Stephen if you don't want, you don't need to speak to him, he understands," "I..." Cutter's mouth had gone dry, despite the falling rain around them, "I don't want to talk to him, I ... I don't know if I'll ever be ready," he admitted softly as he held Connor's hand tightly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor clung to Cutter's hand and slipped his arm around him and pulled him close. "Same. I... I don't know what... I want or what... I'll be able to do. Right now I don't want to see him or talk to him... not after..." Connor's voice trailed off and he closed his eyes. He didn't like this. It wasn't fair. But he knew they didn't really have much choice.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Cutter closed his eyes as he leaned against Connor, tears brimming his eyes at the idea of being so close to Stephen again. He didn't want to deal with this but he also knew it wasn't safe out here, the longer they waited. Becker nodded grimly, "I understand, Danny and I will look after Stephen, make sure that he stays away from the two of you," he assured them, "when you're ready, we'll move inside, I've started a fire for us,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Inside the cave, Stephen was dealing with his own jumble of churning emotions. Becker had told hm about he weather turning bad and after talking, Stephen new that they were going to have to stay for at least a few days. A few days... being with Cutter and Connor again. He knew they wanted nothing to do with him, and he deserved it, he accepted that. He had already resigned himself to staying out of their way as much as he could. Stephen was in the corner of the cave where he had been, the blanket wrapped around him still as he sat and leaned against the cold stone wall. He had his back to the entrance, wanting to make it as easy as he could for Cutter and Connor to ignore him and pretend he wasn't there as he could.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker walked back inside the cave, looking over where Stephen was and then back at the entrance where Cutter and Connor were slowly starting to follow him. Danny was going to do some more foraging, try and get some more mushrooms and plants for them to eat for the few days that they were going to be hold up in the cave. Becker handed over the berries and plants that they already had, he was reusing the MRE packaging to make it easier for meals, "its not a lot but hopefully Danny will be able to find some more berries before the worst of the storm hits," he said gently, deliberately not looking over in Stephen's corner so they wouldn't have to look at him if they didn't want to.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded numbly as they walked into the cave. There was enough room for them all an they didn't have to be right near Stephen, but it still could have been bigger. He sat down hear the entrance of the cave and shifted slightly as Cutter sat down beside him. "If we're... here for a few days, we could probably ration out the food a little more.... not like we will be putting out a lot of energy and all" he said trying to keep himself distracted so he didn't look around the cave and find Stephen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Cutter stared at the berries, he really wasn't hungry but he knew he needed to eat so he forced himself to eat one of the berries, barely tasting the flavour. Becker nodded, "I think after today we'll need to ration the food, depending on how long this storm lasts," he sighed, "at least we'll be able to get drinking water, we won't have to worry about that at least," he considered.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen stayed still and quiet where he was. Eventually, he'd have to move, but for now he was trying his best to do what Cutter and Connor wanted- to pretend he didn't exist again. He listened to Becker talk and the few things Cutter and Connor did say hit him like a knife to his chest. After everything that had happened, everything he had done, he had come to accept his fate and what was going to happen to him. But now Cutter and Connor were here too, trapped, and in danger again... and Stephen had no clue what to do.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared down at his plate still full of berries and then after a few more minutes of not touching anything he pushed his plate aside, "I'm not hungry," he said softly, doing his best to not look over at Stephen, "you can ration these berries for later," And then he stared down at his hands, memories of everything that had happened resurfacing, Helen breaking his hands and he couldn't help but flinch at the site of them. It had been a while since he had worn gloves for his hands and now he wished he had a pair with him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It had taken some time but Connor managed to eat a little of the berries that Becker and Danny had given them. He couldn't eat any more and set what was left with Cutter's uneaten food. He pulled Cutter close in to a silent hug as he watched him,, having a pretty good idea of what was going though his mind just then. When he saw Cutter staring at his hands and noticed how much he was trembling, Connor slowly let go and sat up a little more upright. Still facing Cutter and keeping his back to the other side of the cave as much as he could, Connor carefully pulled off the fingerless gloves he was wearing. He took one of Cutter's hands in his, held it for a moment, rubbing his thumb over the back of his hand silently then started putting the glove on his fiance's hand. He did the same with the other and then when they were on he lifted cutter's hands and kissed them softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a sob as Connor pulled him into a hug, he closed his eyes as he tried to keep the tears from falling and then his hands trembling as Connor sat up, he realised what Connor was doing and then this time he couldn't stop those tears as his fiance took off his gloves and put them on his hands. He gave a small grateful smile through his tears as Connor kissed his hands, "thank you," he managed to get out as his tears rolled down his cheeks.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor pulled Cutter close, glancing at Becker from over his shoulder as he held him close, tears starting to fall himself. "I love you Nick" he whispered softly and sat holding him until Cutter was ready to let go. Connor knew they were in a hard spot, but he had Nick, He had Becker and Danny. He knew he would be ok, no matter what happened with Stephen.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The tears were falling freely now as he held Connor tightly, "I love you Connor," he said as he stayed in Connor's arms, not wanting to pull apart just yet, he felt safe in his fiancé's arms and he wanted to stay there as long as he could and not have to think about Stephen being in the same cave as them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor kept his arms around his fiance as he leaned back a little more, getting into a slightly more comfortable position. He gently rubbed Cutter's back as he held him close, not wanting to let go either. But as he sat there with Cutter, Connor's eyes did eventually start to drift around the cave, finally falling on the still form on the far side of the cave as he looked at Stpehen who still had his back to them. He gave a shuddering sigh and turned back, laying his head against Cutter's shoulder as he sat there with him, the rain outside sounding louder as it fell.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter kept his eyes closed, unable to look anywhere for fear of seeing Stephen and he felt Connor shudder then and he held him tighter as he rested his head on his shoulder, rubbing his back. Becker watched the two of them sadly, he hated that they were in this position and that they were likely going to be in this cave for a few days. He sighed as he walked over to the entrance of the cave, to see if there was any sign of Danny being back, the rain was getting heavier and he didn't like the idea of Danny being caught out in that storm.
Danny(thearcfamily)	As if on cue Danny soon appeared at the edge of the trees near the cave as he ran up towards it. The sack he had taken with him looked like it was at least partly full so that was a good sign. A moment later Danny was standing in the entrance of the cave, looking like a nearly drowned rat as he ran his hand through his hair and handed Becker the sack. "It's really coming down out there" he said with a nod at the rain. "And the lower areas are flooding a little so we definitely cant go anywhere till this clears up. How's it going?" he asked, lowering his voice a little as he looked at Becker and then to Cutter and Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker breathed a sign of relief when he saw Danny running up towards the cave and he reached out to take sack from Danny, "then its a good thing we stayed behind in the cave, as hard as its been," he looked over at Cutter and Connor and then shook his head, "they're not doing well, Nick barely ate anything of his food and Connor didn't do much better,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked over at them sadly and ran his hand through his hair again trying to shake out more of the water and he pulled off his jacket and slipped his boots off since everything he was wearing was soaked. He watched Cutter and Connor closely and then looked at Becker, wishing he knew how to help. All his training and all that experience and he had no clue how to even begin dealing with the situation they had found themselves in right now with Stephen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I think we're just going to have to let them deal with this in their own time," Becker admitted quietly, "we'll be here for at least a few days with this storm, we just have to be patient and let them come to terms with what's happening, I think all we can do is be there for him,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny sighed and nodded. He hated not being able to fix this... he was team leader, he was supposed to know what to do, how to make things right, how to keep everyone safe. And right now, it felt like he was failing them. "I'm going to go get a small fire going- if we keep it near the entrance the smoke shouldn't be too bad. I gotta at least dry off a little before I catch cold."
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded, "having an additional fire going is probably not a bad idea in this weather, we really can't afford for any of us to get sick so if we can keep the cave nice and warm, that will be a good start," he considered.
Danny(thearcfamily)	With a nod Danny got to work. He was glad there had been some wood already stashed in the cave. For how long he had evidently been there Stpehen had things pretty well organized and down pat it seemed. He was silently grateful for that as he started the fire and took all but his under most shirt and pants off to try and get dried off and warmed up more quickly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	As Danny got to work with the fire and warming up, Becker decided to organise the berries that Danny had collected and began rationing them out so that they could make them last a few days and only leave the cave to get more water for the canteens. He was glad for the task to do because it made him feel useful and focused, even though he still kept looking back at Cutter and Connor and checking on them as he worked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat with Cutter quietly. He felt bad for not helping Becker and Danny with things. But he just couldn't move and didn't feel like doing much of anything just then. "Do you need anything Nick?" he asked softly as he rubbed Cutter's back. "Any water or anything to eat?" he asked gently knowing Cutter hadn't eaten anything earlier.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned into Connor's touch, he still didn't feel like doing much of anything but just sitting there with Connor, "I'm, I'm still not hungry," he said quietly as he stared at Connor's gloves that were now on his hands, he felt a lot more calmer than he had earlier, "but ... maybe some water please?" he asked softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Of course, be right back" Connor said as he pulled his arms from around Cutter and stood, placing a light kiss on his cheek before turning to go get one of the canteens from where Becker and Danny where. "Becker... Danny" he said softly with a sad nod as he picked up one of the canteens.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked sadly over at Connor as he got the canteen, "how are the two of you doing?" he asked softly, "did you need us to get you anything?" he knew there wasn't much they could do in the cave but he still wanted to offer.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small sigh as he looked over to Cutter, his eyes drifting further and falling on Stephen for a moment despite his best effort not to. He shook his head as he turned and looked back at Danny and Becker. "No you... you both have done so much... already." He looked down at the canteen in his hands and then at his own hands, now without gloves for the first time in a long time. "I just... I... I can't..." he said as he gripped the canteen tightly not able to put all the jumble of feelings into words just then.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker reached out and placed a gentle hand on Connor's shoulder, "we're always here for you," he said gently, "you and Nick don't have to go through this alone, anything we can do to help you, please let us know,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Make an anomaly open up right now that takes us home?" Connor said, forcing a small smile as he tried to joke and lighten the mood some. "But I know.. thanks." Connor looked at them both for a moment not sure what else to say then turned to look at Cutter. "I... I better get this to Cutter" he said lifting the canteen a little.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I wish I had that ability," Becker sighed, "even though I know the others would be doing everything in their ability to find us and bring us home," he nodded, "I'll let you get back to Cutter but just remember that we're here for both of you," he reassured Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and made his way back to Cutter and sat back down beside him, positioning himself so he was between Cutter and where Stephen was. "Here you go Nick... Danny filled them up when he was out right before the storm hit, so drink as much as you need."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Connor," Cutter said gratefully as he took the canteen, realising now that he was rather thirsty and he took several long refreshing gulps of water, "at least that's one thing we don't have to worry about running out of in this weather right?" he said as he stared down at the canteen.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Exactly, and once the weather clears we'll probably be able to find a lot more food and we can head out and look for that anomaly and get back home!" Connor reached outa and put one hand over one of Cutter's. "Few days, we can manage that and then we can work on getting back home....back where we belong. together."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath and nodded, "a few more days," he gave a small smile at the last part, "that will be nice, being back home, building that future that we've talked about,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye we can get there... get that life together... like we've been dreaming of" Connor shifted and leaned against Cutter slightly and closed his eyes. "After tonight we are one day closer to making that all happen" he said with a small yawn as he curled up against Cutter. He had no idea what time is was, the storm outside hid the sun totally, but he knew that after the restless night before he was finally starting to feel a little tired at last.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter found himself yawning as well, he wasn't sure how much sleep he was going to get but he felt calmer than he had earlier and he put down his canteen and moved in closer to Connor, "after everything we've been through, being closer to making our dreams a reality will make It even more amazing," he said sleepily.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, that it will" Connor said with a soft smile as he yawned and started to slowly drift into a light sleep there curled up with Cutter. And across the cave, where Stephen still lay barely moving and seemingly asleep still, Stephen took a slow, shaky breath having heard everything they had been saying and talking about, despite how quiet they tried to be.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I love you Connor," Cutter said softly as he closed his eyes, trying to see if sleep would finally come to him, even though after a few minutes of trying he was still aware of the sounds of the cave, even with his eyes closed.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	At some point later, over the sound of the rain outside, a faint dripping somewhere in the cave and the hushed voices of Danny and Becker talking there was another sound Cutter would hear. It sounded like whispers and moans, and then soft crying, and it was coming from the far side of the cave where Stephen was. It was soft then grew a little louder as broken sobs and words could be heard, pleads for forgiveness, apologies, and the distinct sound of someone crying. Whether Stephen was awake or asleep was impossible to tell, but whatever the case, he was having a bad go of it- just like countless other nights he'd gone through over the past year.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had eventually given up on trying to sleep, his thoughts were too preoccupied and so he lay there listening to the rain outside. That was when he heard what sounded like crying and a half broken conversation, it wasn't Connor and as far as he could tell it wasn't Becker and Danny so that left Stephen. He bit his lip as he debated going over to him, it sounded like it was a nightmare and Cutter had been through enough of those to know that it was better to be woken up but then he would have to face Stephen. He waited a few more minutes, the cries of despair and begging getting louder and finally he carefully stood up, careful to not wake Connor and made his way over to where Stephen was. "Stephen?" he said uncertainly as he tried to see if Stephen was awake or asleep.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen was curled up under the blanket, eyes closed though he was shaking and trembling from the nightmare. He heard his name called out but to him it was all in the dream, the sounds coming from Cutter and Connor as it always did as he relived having to watch what Helen had done to them, reliving the last moments he had been with them, reliving what he thought was going to be the last moments of his life. It was the combination of Cutter saying his name again and a soft touch on his arm that finally snapped him awake, his eyes wide as he stared at Cutter, gasping for breath, almost unsure if he was really seeing Cutter or if it was still part of the dream. "N-Nick?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Now that Stephen was looking at him Cutter wasn't sure if this was such a good idea and considered backing away, Stephen was awake from the dream he could leave, he didn't owe Stephen any explanation why he had gone over. Finally after a few moments Cutter opened his mouth, not sure what to say, "I ... you ... I was awake, I ... you were having a bad dream, I ... " he stared down at his gloved hands, he was still wearing Connor's, "I ...I wanted ...to check on you," he finished lamely.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen closed his eyes and took a shaky breath trying to calm down. When he opened his eyes he had expected Cutter to already be gone so he was surprised to see him still there. He was even more surprised when he started talking to him. "Th-thanks... Nick" he said sheepishly, as he looked at him for a few seconds and then dropped his eyes down. "I... it's..." he sighed, not knowing what to say and turned his head away slightly in shame, not able to look at Cutter. "I... know its nothing compare to... everything... but I've wanted to say it... for a year now. I... I'm sorry Nick. I'm... so... sorry" Stephen said softly, a tear rolling down his face. and over one of Cutter's. "Few days, we can manage that and then we can work on getting back home....back where we belong. together."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared at Stephen, looking at the scars on is face, at his remorseful expression, "I ... I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive you," he finally settled on, "what you did to Connor, to me ... siding with Helen," and then he realised that Stephen didn't know that Helen was dead but he wasn't sure if he was ready to have that conversation with him yet, "you saved us and I'm grateful for it but as you said sorry doesn't compare to everything," he took a deep shaky breath as everything tumbled out.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... I... it's something I can't ever... make amends for, I know that. I'd resigned myself to.. to dying here, without ever being able to tell you guys... I know this... this right here... is more than I deserve." Stephen sighed as he looked at Cutter and then looked back down at his own hands. "I'll stay out of your way and once its safe, you all can get to that anomaly and get back home... where... where you and Connor can be happy together. I've already accepted my fate" he said with a sad smile as he looked around the cave and sighed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter didn't know what to say, on one hand he did want to agree with Stephen and that he belonged here and he and Connor could move on with their lives once they got back, "I ... I can't speak for Connor," he said softly, knowing that what had gone down with Connor and Stephen had been a lot worse, "I ... I don't know what will happen when the storm stops and we can leave, I ... I need more time before I ... before I make any decisions," he didn't want to get Stephen's hopes up that after all this he could come with.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know" Stephen said softly. "I'll be staying here. It's... for the best. I... I know I don't belong back in... in our time. This is my home now, and I've accepted that." He looked at Cutter then glanced over to where Connor was still sleeping. He had already gotten more than he had ever hoped. He'd have to be content with this and hope Cutter and Connor could get back and get on with their lives... they deserved that much. "I... I hope it's not too bad... till you can leave" Stpehen said weakly as he closed his eyes and sighed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, not wanting to promise Stephen anything more than that, they had talked and knew where each other stood in regards to what had happened between them, "they think we'll be here a few more days at least," he said softly, "until we can find that anomaly to get back home, " he shifted awkwardly, "I just ... everything that's happened recently, I think I've definitely had my share of field work after this," he sighed.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen looked at Cutter for a moment, knowing what that meant, that he was even considering walking away from the work. He knew Danny was team leader and that was enough of a shock, but he knew it wasn't his place to say anything. So, he just nodded and looked at Cutter. "I'll stay out of your way... don't worry" Stephen said softly as he gave a small sad nod. "It shouldn't remain too long, probably another day or two and then you guys can get out of here."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "thank you," he said softly, "for letting us crash here with you, I know this wasn't what either of us had ever imagined," he bit his lip as he tried to think of what else to say and then realised he didn't know what else to say and fell silent.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank YOU Nick" Stephen said softly. "For giving me the chance to at least do this. It's more than I deserve." Stephen also fell silent for a moment before he gave a small awkward nod and the faintest of twinges tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'll let you get back to sleep. Thanks for... checking on me."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"You're welcome ... I ...I know I would want someone to wake me up if I was having a nightmare," Cutter said softly, "I ... I didn't want you to go through that alone," he glanced back towards where Connor was sleeping, "I ... I'm glad I was able to talk to you though, for this time,"
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Same" Stephen said with a sad smile. He then looked back over to Connor and gave a small, honest smile to Cutter. "I'm... happy for you two Nick... you... you both deserve to be happy and I know you both are." For a moment Stephen was silent then gave a small sigh and adjusted the blanket around him a little and laid back down. "I'll let you get back to Connor..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "we are happy thank you," there was no point in denying that, even with what he and Stephen had once shared, "I'll ... head back, maybe see if I can try and sleep," he said softly, "even though I don't think sleep is very forthcoming tonight," he admitted.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ditto that" Stephen admitted. "Guess we both can try and fight to see who gets the sandman to come first." Stephen watched as Cutter made his way back to Connor and then rolled over again, his heart and mind still full, though he did feel a little bit better for having finally spoken to Cutter at last.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded and made his way back over to Connor, getting comfortable against him as he tried to focus on falling asleep. He was still uncertain about many things regarding Stephen but he was glad that he'd had this chance to talk to him, even if only for a few moments. He closed his eyes as he tried to calm his thoughts and tried to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stirred a little when Cutter came back but didn't wake up fully. "Hey Nick" he muttered still mostly asleep as he curled up with him, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him back close before drifting off back to sleep.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Hey Connor," Cutter gave a soft smile at that as Connor pulled him in close and he wrapped his arounds Connor, comforted by his embrace and after a few more moments of being awake he slowly began to drift off to sleep.