Writer's Note: This is another entry in my (Quest to put Fallout characters in pairs.) As always I am open to feedback, comments, and suggestions. I hope you enjoy!
(Vault 81, June 20th, 2288)
The vault dwellers are in a panic. Austin Engill has fallen into a critical state after being bitten by an infected molerat. Every family prays for his survival and that Nate will soon return from the bowels of the vault with good news on how to give him the cure.
Neil Freund sits at his desk just beside the service elevator that hasn't been in use for as long as anyone can recall. Having already spoken to Nate about leaving, he has made himself a list of all the pros and cons that may come from doing so. He has wanted to leave the vault for a few years now, and this might be his last chance, before becoming tied down to his responsibilities. The Overseer has ordered that he train in security to step himself up from the status of rookie. It's not that he doesn't like the job, only that he feels he is destined for so much more. Growing old inside a vault, possibly single his whole life, is not his idea of a fair trade off for scheduled meals and day to day comforts. Exploring, though dangerous, has to be more rewarding. Also he often fantasizes about finding his ideal partner. He doesn't know who she is or what she will look like, he only knows that once he finds her, he wants to shower her with all the love he can muster.
The service elevator springs to life with a loud hum which jumps Neil out of his seat. He grabs his side arm and stands at the ready to fire at whatever might spring out from behind the door. The light above the elevator glows yellow, letting everyone in the room know that something is about to get off at their floor. The elevator dings then the door slowly opens. Neil is relieved when he realizes it is just Nate.
"Woo man! What is with the gun?" Nate asks while raising his arms.
Neil lowers his side arm and sets it back in his holster. "Oh, sorry Nate. I wasn't expecting you to come back up this way."
"Yeah, I was able to get the elevator working from the other side. Should work both ways now."
"Thank you. That is good to know."
As Nate steps forward out of the tiny room Neil notices a Miss Nanny exiting along behind him. She is more beautiful than any other model he has ever seen. Her body looks like that of a giant, white, pearl. It glistens in the overhead lights, hypnotizing him. She is a custom design and he can tell that a lot of effort and care went into modifying her. 'She must really be something for someone to do such a thing. Was she really trapped down there all this time?'
She notices him staring. "Monsieur, is this young man mon ami?" She asks Nate.
Neil decides to take it upon himself to answer her, « En effet je suis, belle mademoiselle, et vous êtes? » (Indeed I am, beautiful miss, and you are?)
« Je m'appelle Curie. C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer. » (My name is Curie. It is nice to meet you.)
"You know French Neil?" Nate asks perplexed.
"A little. Self taught back in my school days. I'm quite rusty actually." He scratches at his red hair feeling like he has just made a fool of himself.
"I could give you some refreshing lessons if you would like," Curie adds.
"Really? That is very kind of you Curie," Neil replies.
"It would be my pleasure. I have not gotten to converse with another person in Francais in over one hundred and fifty years."
"Well it is fine with me if you two want to stay and talk, but I have to get this cure to Austin," Nate informs as he holds up a medical syringe.
"Right, then I want to go too. I need to know right away if he will be okay," says Neil.
"Same here," Curie adds.
They all head down to the medical bay and Nate hands Dr. Forsythe the cure. He treats Austin with it straight away. They are all amazed and relieved when a few minutes later he wakes up and gets to his feet. Neil watches through the window along side Curie. They both let out a happy sigh to know he is going to be alright. After being thanked again and again Nate steps out of the medical bay and heads towards the main entrance. Curie stops him.
"A moment please. I have been trapped so many years, I believe it is customary to thank you in your role in saving me. My entire life has been in this vault. I have analyzed and learned everything there is to know here. The world up there is infinitely more complex. Who knows what can be discovered up there?"
"Are you sure you want to leave? These vault dwellers could use your medical skills."
"Of this there is no doubt. But I seek to elevate my capabilities and down here I will stagnate. Please, monsieur, can you take me with you?"
Neil watches as his opportunity unfolds before him. "I would like to go too!" He blurts out as he steps up to them.
Nate just looks at them both unsure. "Oh really. What do you two think you can do against the dangers on the surface?"
"We can protect each other," Neil blurts again. "Surely neither of us would be great on our own..." He looks to Curie then back to Nate. "...but if all three of us travel together then who knows what we can accomplish. I for one am willing to risk everything just to get a chance at a more fulfilling life."
"And I am willing to do the same," Curie adds.
Nate sighs finding himself stuck in the middle of this predicament. "Look you two, I am grateful for you wanting to help, but I just don't have the time right now to have to look out for newbies in such a dangerous environment. I need to find my son and I think I'll be able to do that more quickly if I travel on my own."
They both hang their heads. "Oh, well then maybe Curie and I can travel together." Neil looks over at her again. "I mean, if you want to."
"I think that sounds like a fantastic idea. I would adore the company."
"Do you guys have any place in particular you would like to go?"
"I would just like to find a place where I can start a new life on the surface," says Neil.
"And I would prefer somewhere that has a garden, so I may continue my research and make new medicines that all the humans on this planet can benefit from," Curie answers.
Nate brings his index finger up to his chin. "Come to think of it, I might already know the perfect place for you both."
"You do?" They both ask excited.
"Yes. There is a settlement just up north called Greentop Nursery. The settlers there have already cultivated the soil to grow their crops and they are always accepting new people to help them expand and work the garden. I can escort you two there if you would like."
"That sounds wonderful," says Curie.
Neil agrees, "Yeah, that might just be the perfect place to start. I'm sure they could teach me tons about how to grow my own crops."
"Alright then. It sounds like a plan. If either of you have anything you want to bring with you, please pack up quickly. We need to get moving as soon as possible."
Curie keeps her stance having no possessions to claim. Neil hurries himself to his room and loads up a big back pack full of anything he thinks he can't live without. Including a framed, group, photo of all the vault dwellers during one of their annual parties. Suddenly his passion for leaving stings him. 'Should I actually do this? What if I never come back? Will anyone miss me when I am gone?' He snaps back out of his head when he notices Curie standing in his doorway.
"Do you need help with anything?" She asks in a sweet, helpful, tone.
He stuffs the photo into his bag not wanting her to see him with doubts. "No, thank you. I just need to grab one last thing. Sorry to hold you guys up."
"It is no problem Monsieur." "Please, call me Neil." She looks at him intrigued for the longest moment. Her pupils dilate and even though she is a robot, he can swear he is witnessing her blushing.
"Alright... Neil," she struggles to get out his name as if she is embarrassed to say it.
He gives her a big smile. "Thanks Curie."
He sets his side arm as well as his holster down on his desk then pulls the pack onto his shoulders. "Well, we don't want to keep Nate waiting. After you." He presents the door to her. "Right," she agrees. As she leaves the room he looks back one last time. He debates on something he wants to grab considering he doesn't think he will need it one the road. Plus it is heavy, but it holds so much sentimental value. He decides he can't leave it behind. Also it would be best if no one discovers it after he's gone. He reaches under the mattress of his bed and pulls out his collection of vintage Hustler magazines. He has only been able to collect six of them so far, he isn't sure if he would ever be able to get his hands on them again. He quickly stuffs them into his bag then runs to catch up to the others.
Nate waits for them at the vault entrance. Curie is close to joining him when he sees Neil running as fast as he can, as if they are going to leave without him. He approaches then hunches to catch his breath.
"Woo, woo! Take it easy. Save your energy for the road," says Nate.
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to hold you up any longer. Plus I really just want to get going before I do the stupid thing and change my mind."
"Having doubts are you?" He shoots back up into a determined stance.
"No! It's just..." His eyes lower. He doesn't know how to explain it. Nate answers for him.
"This is your home." Neil looks to him as if Nate just read his mind. "Well it was anyway. Once you step out this door there is no telling where or when you will have a place to call home. This is something I know all too well." His eyes become somber.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Neil replies.
Nate shakes his head. "Anyway, let's get moving shall we?"
"Yes sir!" Neil and Curie reply.
The day is long. Though they left for their destination in the early afternoon, the sun has beamed down on them for what feels like days. Neil has never known such heat before. If it wasn't for his vault suit keeping his temperature balanced, he isn't sure if he would be able to take it. Curie of course is unscathed by any ill effects that the weather might have on a living being. She just scans her eyes over everything, taking in every last bit of knowledge she can from the visuals all around her. She points out various species of plants, the scientific names of rocks and gravel, and even the company names on the billboards they pass by, as well giving them both a bit of a history lesson for each one. While Nate expresses his annoyance by all of it with huffs and doing his best to focus on his task at hand, Neil enjoys her enthusiasm. It is such a drastic change from the day to day drudgery of work related conversations and social dramas which seemed to be the only two topics of discussion from the vault.
Curie realizes that neither of them have said a thing this entire time. "Are you two even listening? Should I just stop talking?"
Neil's heart skips a beat at the idea of not getting to listen to her sweet voice. "No, it's fine. I'm listening."
"Do as you wish, just as long as we keep moving forward," Nate instructs.
"Very well," Curie continues with her lessons.
Neil spots a cluster of yellow carnation flowers and steps over to it. He grabs a bundle in his hand then hurries over to Curie, presenting her with them.
She looks at them curiously. "Oh, a Dianthus. Also known as the Zeus flower. Named of course by the Greeks. Are you interested in learning more about this plant?"
"Not exactly. I just thought they were pretty, a-and I wanted to give them to you," Neil replies bashfully.
"Oh, well I appreciate the gesture, but unfortunately I can not carry such delicate items without fear of crushing them in my claw."
"I see." He lowers his head disappointed that his attempt at romancing her has failed. He then gets an idea. "Oh! I know!" He pulls off his pack and digs his hands inside.
Nate turns to them, realizing they have stopped. "Come on you two, we need to keep moving before night fall!"
"Just one sec," Neil protests. He pulls out a piece of twine and ties it around the bundle of flowers. He then ties the two ends together tightly. "Curie. If you don't mind." He bows his head in hopes that she will copy him. It takes her a moment, but she does, then he places the twine around her head like a band.
She looks it over with her three eyes. "Oh I see," she says happily. "Does it look good on me?"
"Gorgeous," Neil answers with a smile.
Once again he notices her eyes dilate as she looks into his.
Their focus is interrupted by Nate shouting, "Come on you two!"
They both look to Nate then back at each other. Neither of them wanting the moment to end.
Neil takes the initiative. "Come on. Let's find our new home." He takes hold of her claw hand and leads her along the road.
They make it up the next hill and to their amazement, Greentop Nursery awaits them just on the other side. They can see everything from where they stand. The greenhouse, an old world styled house, and even an area for the brahmin to eat and rest. The settlement is surrounded by even more homes made of run down wood and scrap metal. It is not the dream town Neil has been hoping for, but it is a start. Nate steps off to the side of the road where there has already been a camp set up from previous passers by. He picks up some of the left over wood and starts to build a fire.
"We'll rest here for the night. I don't want to barge into town while everyone is getting set up for sleep. Also we can't be sure they will just accept you two with open arms and I don't want to have to look for another place in the dark if they say no."
"So we are just going to lay out here? On the side of the road? With no cover or any way to defend ourselves?" Neil becomes tense.
"Hey, this is what it's like out here. I warned you didn't I? Now come on. Just take a seat on that log and try to relax."
Neil does as instructed and Curie settles herself down on the ground beside him. Nate pulls out a few cans of Cram from his pack along with a small frying pan and begins to fry them some dinner.
"Sorry this isn't much. I'm not able to carry much by myself so I try to pack lightly."
Neil shakes his head. "No, no! It's fine. I'm ashamed. I should have thought to bring my own food. I was so excited to get my chance to leave I didn't think to even pack water. Geez I am so stupid." He smacks himself in the head.
"Don't worry about it. You'll learn about this stuff quickly now that you have to. For now just know that I am doing this because I want to. If everything works out as planned, then you can pay me back by making sure to pass on my work of helping others. After all, a lot of this couldn't have been possible without my influence. That is why I am hoping they will say yes even though you two are total strangers, because they trust me, but you two will still have to earn that trust. You got me?"
"Understood," answers Curie.
"Yeah, I understand," Neil adds.
Nate takes a few bits of Cram from the frying pan then hands the fork and pan over to Neil. He is hesitant to accept it at first, but knowing it would be rude to refuse further, he takes it and eats quickly.
"Good. Now try to get some sleep Neil. Don't worry. I'll have one eye open for all of us."
"As will I," says Curie. Neil looks to Nate with sincerity. "Thanks, for everything."
Early the next morning Nate talks to the Overseer of Greentop about allowing them to join the settlement. She agrees explaining that their timing couldn't be more prefect, because they just recently had a family move on to become part of the caravan. She informs them that their makeshift house is up for the taking. Her only stipulation is that both Curie and Neil have to work to earn their keep. Happy to accept those terms, Curie is named a pharmacist while Neil is given a position inside the greenhouse as one of the gardeners. They both give their good byes to Nate then head towards their new home. It rests just to the north, which is seen by the other settlers as dangerous territory, considering there is not much distance between them and the super mutants who have formed a settlement of their own just down the way. Still they are not far from the settlements tourettes which will alert them of danger if anything is to approach.
They step up to the small house's front door and discover right away that it is not made of much. Boards dangle off the sides of the wall, the steps leading to the door are cracked and some busted through, and there are gaps and holes riddled throughout as if someone has been using it for target practice. Neil turns to Curie who doesn't seem to have anything to say about the building's condition.
"Well, it's not much but I think we can work with this. We just need to gather a few more boards, maybe some street signs. Yeah, you know what? I think I've got an idea of what to do for this place."
"And what is that?" Curie asks intrigued.
"I think I want to use strips of metal to shingle the entire exterior of the house so that it looks as if the walls are made of scales. Then for the roof we can just lay out a few pieces of half cylinder logs and that way we wont have to rely on fabric or plant fiber to keep out the rain such as the previous owners did. Wow. I never thought all that time working in a run down vault would pay off."
"And what about the floor? From out here it does not seem like it has much insulation. Of course that is not a problem for me, but wont your feet get cold?"
"Well let's just take a look inside first and find out."
They open wide the door and discover a three room interior with one room having a make shift grill and another with a run down bed. There are dozens upon dozens of liqueur bottles scattered all around the floor as well as empty food cans and rags.
"Eww, so dirty. To think the previous owners couldn't even be bothered to bring out the recycling," says Curie.
"I don't think there is such a thing out here." Neil gives the house one more good look. "So what do you think?" He asks enthusiastically.
"I think that living here will require you getting a booster shot."
"I think it's perfect. A private room for you and a private room for me, plus a kitchen. I don't think I could have asked for more."
"If you say so," Curie says disgusted.
She begins to gather up all the bottles. Neil watches her for a moment inspired by how quickly and precisely she moves. She notices him staring.
"What is it?"
He shakes his head pulling himself back into the moment. "Oh, sorry. You just gave me an idea." He sets his back pack on the floor then picks up one of the wine bottles. "Curie, can you cut this in half using your blade?"
"I believe so, but why would you-"
"Just trust me."
She does as he asks and cuts the bottle vertically as he holds it up in front of her. He is amazed by how she is able to do it with such precision and her blade is so sharp the cut comes out clean. He rubs his thumb over the hot, silky, glass.
"That is perfect. Now can you use your flame thrower to melt the two halves side by side?"
"I think so. But I would like to know what I am doing before using up my flame oil."
"Okay, picture this. I want to use all these bottles to line them up side by side like this." He holds up the two pieces so that both of their flat surfaces rest next to each other. "And then we can use their half circle shape laid over one another to keep the roof from leaking. Do you get what I mean?"
"I think so. But to cover the entire roof that will require a lot of bottles, no?"
"It will, but I am certain we can find more and I wont let the effort go to waste, I promise. Also I will do everything I can to make sure your tank remains full when I can. I don't care if I have to work night and day to pay off a caravan for fuel. Building this house for us is all I want to do."
Curie notices the glint in his eye. "Neil, you are so determined. Why do you want this so badly?"
He lowers his arms. His expression becomes serious. "Because for the last ten years of my life, all I have ever wanted is a place I can call my own." He sets his hand against the wall. "To have a house built just the way I want it. To have someone I can come home to. And... Curie, I want you to be that someone." He holds out his hand to her.
"But Neil, I am only a robot. You should be looking for someone whom you can truly be happy with. Someone who can hold you, someone you can share meals with, to start a family."
"I can live without all those things as long as I know you'll stay by my side. You will wont you?"
He cups his hands together hoping with all his might that she will say yes. They look into one another for the longest moment. Curie can hear Neil's heart racing and at the same time she feels something sparking inside her like she has never felt before.
"Oh mon amour (my love), of course I will."
He pulls her in for an embrace. Never before has she experienced such an action, but she does her best to place her arms around him. She does her best to keep him from being nicked on her many sharp appendages.
"Thank you," he whispers. He gives her one last hard squeeze hoping she can feel even the tiniest part of it before letting go. "Alright. No time like the present."
He begins to gather up more of the bottles from the floor then takes them outside and places them all in one big pile. Curie joins in helping him and before long they rid the entire inside of trash.
"So have you come up with a plan for the floor?" Curie asks.
"One thing at a time," Neil responds.
They work throughout the day cutting all the cans into strips of four squares and pile them up alongside the house. They then cut all the glass liqueur bottles in the same way Neil instructed Curie the first time, and stack them all into a green and brown pyramid. As they are finishing up for the day, a group of four men from the greenhouse pay them a visit.
"So who do we have hear?" They say as an informal greeting.
Curie turns to them first then Neil soon follows suit.
"Oh, bonjour. Are you gentlemen here for the housewarming?"
"Huh? Why is your robot speaking gibberish?" One man asks Neil.
"Yeah, and in such a funny accent?" Says another.
Neil scowls. "Curie is not my robot. She is a being all her own. As for her accent, it is of beautiful french origin."
They snark at him. "French huh? Must be some fancy language only you vault folk care about. Out here those books smarts will do you no good. You got to be attentive and quick to react."
One of them give their pile of shingles a swift, strong, kick sending them flying to all areas of the yard. Neil just stands his ground and looks at them with disdain as Curie moves quickly to retrieve them.
"Now that is not very nice," she says as if she is scolding a young child.
The leader of the four steps forward and points his finger hard against Neil's chest. "You better wipe that sour look off your face." He points his thumb at himself. "We are the ones who make sure things run smoothly around here and if you are too much of a pretty boy to keep up, we'll have you thrown to the mirelurks. You got me?"
"I get you," Neil responds while trying to keep his cool.
"Good. Now you better get some rest. You're going to have a busy day tomorrow. And don't think that just because you have a robot to help you, that we wont pile on as much as we can."
"I can handle any work you can give," Neil replies boldly.
"We'll see about that."
The four of them walk away and it is not until they are out of sight that Neil finally turns back to Curie. She continues to gather their shingles and places them back into a pile.
"I'm sorry about that. I should have stopped them," he says softly.
"Oh, no. Don't worry about it. I can get this cleaned up in no time. That gentlemen was right. You should focus on getting some rest."
"Those four are no gentlemen. They mean to haze me and make me feel like we're not worth the trouble of staying, but I wont let them push us away. I've been through all of this before. Everyone I've ever known has always underestimated me and doubted my abilities. But I always prove them wrong."
"I am sure you will mon amour. But for now, let's get you ready for bed."
"Sure thing."
The next day the other gardeners keep good on their word. They load up Neil with the impossible task of tending to and picking fifty mutfruit trees clear of their fruit. Not being use to so much labor all at once, he stumbles during his task from lack of muscular strength and falls face first into one of the dirt mounds. The men tease and taunt him. Even kicking him further into the soil. Curie notices the scuffle and steps away from her task of gathering samples to comfort him. He sits himself up but does not stand. He feels weak and beaten and it is only the first day.
"Neil, wont you let me help you?" Curie asks.
"No," he snaps. "I need to show these guys that I can do this on my own. That I don't need anyone to help me do my job."
"But they are pushing you too hard. Maybe this place isn't right for us. Maybe we should find someplace else."
"I wont give up so easily. If I can't get by just because some punks think they are better than me, then I'll never be able to face the real dangers out in the world. I have to prove not only to them, but to myself that I can take on anything that comes my way."
"I admire your courage, but I also believe that there is no shame in asking for help. I don't want to pry, but just know that if you ever need to, you can ask me anything."
"I appreciate that."
He wipes his face to free himself of most of the dirt but bits of it linger causing his skin to feel dry. He stands up and Curie helps to dust him off.
"Damn, I could really use a drink," he muffles.
"Oh, I have the perfect thing," Curie says excitedly.
She steps over to one of the work benches and grabs an unused, plastic, cup with Nuka World printed on its side. She returns to Neil as she opens up the front of her pearl compartment and begins to pour water out from her filter. She takes one of her sample syringes and sticks the tip of it into one of the mutfruit bulbs and drains out a tiny bit of its purple insides. She then squirts the contents of the syringe into the cup of water and holds it out for Neil to take it from her.
"What is this? Some kind of juice?" Neil asks as he takes the cup into his hands and lifts it up to his lips, sipping it. He realizes it does not have much flavor but there is something about it that lifts his spirits.
"Not exactly. I discovered that the core of the mutfruit is actually highly concentrated with opioids. You humans have learned not to eat the core since biting into one directly would cause an overdose, as well as nausea, vomiting, and possibly even lead to death. But if you only take a tiny bit, it helps to benefit blood flow, relax muscles, and increase respiration."
"Wow. That's amazing Curie. And you came up with this all by yourself?"
"Well, I discovered these properties in the mutfruit yes, but the core idea of testing such fruits come from the thousands of years of medical history that has been stored in my servers. Just one of the many ways I hope to help those around me."
"It is still an amazing thing to be able to use and understand such knowledge. I hope you realize that."
"I guess it is. I never really thought of it that way."
Neil drinks down the rest of the cup. As he wipes his lips clear of the moisture he notices that the other gardeners are staring and whispering things to one another. He turns back to Curie trying his best to ignore their judgments.
"I'm sorry to cut this conversation short, but we really should get back to work."
"Sure thing," Curie agrees as she immediately leaves his side to return to her task.
Neil crushes the plastic cup in his hand frustrated. He wishes he could thank her properly for her kind gesture. This is the kind of moment people talk about where the person on the receiving end of such an action is suppose to lean in and give the other a tender kiss, but there is no way he can thank her in such a way. He would have to think of something else. For now he just tosses the cup into a nearby waste basket and returns to his work.
Over the next week, Neil continues to be bullied and floored into the ground both mentally and physically. The others have even pushed him into removing his vault suit, telling him that a real man doesn't need a temperature control onesie. So he has gathered up enough funds to buy himself a used, plaid, shirt and some warn jeans. At first the heat from the sun beaming down on him through the lighthouse glass was daunting, but after the first few days he has come to realize that he has grown fond of the feeling. Just the pleasure of his entire body becoming hot and sweaty as his skin tans into a fine, light shade of brown. Giving him contrast to just how pale he always was living underground. Most times he gets so focused on completing his task that he removes his shirt entirely to keep himself from getting heat stroke. Never letting the fact that doing so back in the vault would have been seen as indecent. Before now he would never have allowed a female to look upon his naked chest outside of a private setting from fear of being labeled as a sexual harasser.
Each day Curie makes sure to bring him fresh water so that he doesn't lose track and dehydrate himself. Neil knows her medical concoction is one of the only reasons he has been able to work for as long and as hard as he has. If it wasn't for her, his muscles would never allow him to even roll out of bed each morning.
At night while he sleeps, Curie has taken it upon herself to walk the grounds in search of used cans and bottles so that they can complete the proofing on the house. She has also managed to gather up enough materials in order for them to fix up an old fridge that they have propped up just next to their front door, so that there is always fresh, cold, water for Neil to drink when he gets off work. Other settlers caught on to this however, and take it upon themselves to pull out multiple bottles for themselves each day, but she just fills up her tank and makes more without giving it a second thought. She also fills up the bucket to their make shift shower so that Neil can clean himself before bed every night. They have already scrubbed the building from top to bottom and built a metal container under the floor, so that they can fill it with firewood without worry that it is going to set the rest of the place a blaze.
Curie is amazed by how much the two of them have accomplished in such a little amount of time. Neil is much smarter and creative than the average human and she comes to admire how he thinks. She can see that all he wants to do is make life more fulfilling. She wonders how she can help him in doing so, but nothing that comes to mind is ever specific to him. All she knows is science and medicine. She knows nothing of romance or psychology. So even though she wants to do something special for him she isn't sure what it could be.
One night while the two of them are relaxing in the kitchen, Curie studies Neil's body as he cooks himself dinner. She notices he has become slimmer in parts of his legs and arms and bulkier in others. His muscles have become defined and even through his clothes she can notice the difference. Also his breathing pattern has become deeper. He is no longer taking in shallow, quick, breaths. It is as if now he is subconsciously making each one count. It is no doubt to her that it is just his body's way of adapting to such a drastic change in environment, where dust and grim runs rapid.
"Hey Neil?" She asks, mostly just wanting to break the silence.
"Yes, what is it?" He does not look away from his cooking.
"When was the last time you had a booster shot?"
"This again," he laughs. "You're really worried I'm going to get sick aren't you?"
"But of course. There are so many toxins in the world and any one of them could put you in harms way quit quickly. I would hate to think such a thing happening only because you did not take the proper precautions."
"I'll be fine. I had my shots done at the beginning of the year. The medics in vault 81 were very strict about that, especially after we started opening the door to outsiders. The Overseer didn't want an epidemic to fall on her hands. So, you don't need to worry about me so much. Okay?"
"I'm sorry my worry is a bother. It's just... that I care for you so much. I couldn't bare the thought of losing you."
He finally turns to look at her. "You're not going to lose me. I have no intentions on doing something that will put me in harms way."
"But you can't say that. You don't know for sure," her voice becomes sorrowful. "Plus you are a human. No mater even if we stay safe. You will die some day, and I will have to go on, possibly for another lifetime without you."
Neil puts his cooking to the side and steps over to her. "Curie, it's okay. I still have a long life ahead of me. If nothing else we must spend the time we have together with as much happiness as possible."
He places his hand on her claw. She looks down at it wishing she could feel it. But then again she doesn't even truly understand what that would mean. 'What is it like to hold someone? To feel their warmth? What even is warmth?'
"Neil, I want to know your answer to something."
"Anything. Just ask."
"Alright. I want to know your most deepest, fondest, secrete, desire. I want to know something about you that you have never told anyone else. I want to know your passion. Something that is in your heart, even if you might think it is wrong. I need to know who you are on the inside. Not just what you express on the outside."
He takes in a deep breath. "Wow! That is quit the question." He thinks to himself for a moment before answering. "Well... I would have to say that there is one thing I fantasize about more often then I care to admit. Pretty much any time I see a desk, which has been pretty regular both in the vault and out here."
Curie becomes intrigued. "What is it?"
He lets out a subtle laugh. "Um... it has to do with an article I read once, in a magazine. An adult magazine."
"An adult magazine? I'm not sure I understand."
"Basically it is a kind of magazine meant only for people who are eighteen years of age or older because of the questionable content that lies inside."
"This is curious. The only magazines I know about are the kinds with cartoons and the ones about home and living. So these magazines are considered bad for younger people to view?"
"Not necessarily bad, more of a taboo. Humans learn about stuff at different rates of maturity and some of the stuff talked about in these magazines might seem confusing or be taken the wrong way if seen by uneducated eyes."
"I think I understand now. You're talking about human reproduction aren't you?"
Neil blushes red hot. "Yeah. For the most part."
"So then what is it about these adult magazines that makes you fantasize about it?"
Neil's voice becomes tight, "Well um... inside these magazines are not only pictures of humans, mostly women, with their clothes off, but there are also articles consisting of stories from real life people who use to write in to the makers of the magazine."
"Ah, letters to the editor. I get it."
"Right. Exactly. So one article in particular was sent in by a man..." he wipes the sweat from his brow, "Oh man, I can't believe I am about to tell you this. He tells the story about how one day he was working on a truck in the town garage when his wife spontaneously walked into the room wearing nothing more than some lingerie. She then proceeded to sit herself atop his workbench and call him over to her where she whispered dirty talk into his ear until he could no longer resist temptation and made love to her right then in there in front of all of his co-workers. He goes on to explain that afterward he lost his job over it, but it was one of the best sexual experiences he has ever had." He laughs, "I bet my co-workers would crap themselves with jealously if that happened to me. I'm sure most of them wouldn't know a good sexual experience even if it fell right onto their lap."
He brushes his hand over the front of his jeans to readjust himself. His pants have become very tight and Curie can see the entire silhouette of his erect cock through his jeans. He then tries to cover it with his hand but it is too late.
"Wow! So that story really does make you excited. This kind of thing happens whenever you are just thinking about it?"
"Not every time. Usually I am able to control it but right now I'm finding it extremely difficult."
"I see. Is there any thing I can do to help you feel better?"
"No, no. I just need a minute."
He turns back to his cooking. Curie becomes quiet as she thinks to herself about everything she knows about human reproduction. She knows how the male and female bodies produce a child but the knowledge of what happens to the human body during penetration is a mystery. She wishes there were a way she could learn more but she doesn't want to make Neil feel any more uncomfortable than he already does and she doesn't know anyone else well enough to put such a sensitive question on them.
That night after Neil has gone to bed, Curie does her normal routine of searching the grounds for items and parts that she and Neil might be able to make use of. She can't help however that her mind keeps circling back to wanting to know more about what makes Neil's secrete such a passion of his. She needs to know more about what it means to make love to someone.
She returns home earlier than usual and right away she notices that Neil still has his bedroom lamp on. It is set very low but she can see it even past the glow of the house's fire pit. She is about to ask him what he is still doing up when an unfamiliar sound catches her ears. She realizes the sound is coming from him. It is his breathing. It is heavy and he takes air into his lungs in tiny spurts.
Curious, she searches for an opening in the wall to his room. Having already shingled most of the outside, she finds it difficult, but she manages to find a single strip that is a bit looser than the others and pushes it to the side to peer between the boards. She becomes shocked as she discovers Neil laying on his bed, wearing nothing but his underwear, that is pulled down past his balls. His right hand strokes his erection while in his other hand he holds up a magazine with a picture of a half naked woman looking seductively on the page. His breathing becomes heavier. She can hear him trying to muffle himself as much as possible. His hips thrusts back an forth in short pulses until suddenly his entire body becomes ridged. He quickly grabs a rag from his end table and places it over the head of his cock. He allows himself to erupt into it. After a few seconds, his body becomes loose and he relaxes himself. His breathing slowly returns to normal and after a minute he pulls the rag free from his member, revealing a large glob of semen that has soaked a large portion of its fibers. He folds the cloth in half to use its remaining dry spot to clean himself up. He sticks his cock back into his underwear and turns to his lamp to put it out.
Curie takes a step back from the wall. She uses all her computing power to try an understand what she has just witnessed. He had done what is natural for a man to do. He was stimulated and therefore released himself, but it wasn't for reproduction. She could tell by the expression on his face, that he was experiencing something that made him feel good. She decides that she has to get her hands on whatever that magazine is he was holding. She wants to read the stories for herself and then maybe she can get a better understanding.
The next day while Neil is at work, Curie sneaks into his room and searches for the coveted magazine. It doesn't take her long to find it. It is tucked away under his mattress along with five other issues under the same name. Hustler.
"I have never heard of this," she tells herself.
She looks over the cover which has a curvaceous woman kneeling with her back towards the camera. She is wearing nothing but fish netting that drapes across her butt-cheeks. The woman looks over her shoulder towards the camera with a 'come hither' look on her face. She studies every word on the page. All of it being info on what the reader can expect to find inside. She flips open to the first page. More info on what is to come and an ad for some sexual lubricant. She flips to the next page and finds article after article written by various men and women talking about not only good sexual experiences but ones that went terribly wrong. This fascinates her further. 'There can be bad love making?' Continuing through the pages she finds more ads for adult DVDs and subscription deals for upcoming issues.
She then comes to the page that Neil had been masturbating to. Her eyes scan every inch of the photo. The woman lies on her back on some kind of silk sheet. Her left arm rests under her breasts which makes them look fuller than they would if they rested naturally. She has her index finger of her right hand in her mouth where she appears to be biting down on it gently. Her long brown hair is spread wildly across the silk sheet, which does little to cover up her body, though parts of it rests against her legs and abdomen. Looking further down the page she sees that the woman has her legs spread wide, revealing that she is completely clean shaven with her labia exposed for all to see. Curie can even see exactly where her vaginal entrance is.
"This is a woman's body."
She looks over herself as she tries to picture what she would look like as a woman. She can feel something deep inside her become strange. She feels somehow wrong, different. Though she can't figure out why. As she continues to read through each magazine the feeling becomes stronger and stronger. 'What is this?' She asks herself over and over. 'Why can't I understand?' She finds the article Neil had told her about. She studies it closely. The way the man describes the way his wife walked into the room. The words she used to seduce him. Even the tone she spoke in. 'But I could never get my voice to sound like that? At least not the way I am now.' Suddenly it clicks. If she is to better understand, then she has to truly know what is all means. Not only in words, she wants to know how it feels.
"I must become human," she says with determination.
