Scarlet un-holstered the special Laser Rifle that she had found in Vault 22. It had been her favorite and most maintained weapon other than her riot Shotgun. She screamed something at Stella and screamed again as her head exploded, leaving nothing but an array of bloodied remains of her brain.

What a way to start a Vacation from New Vegas. Compared to the "haunted" casino, this could've been called Heaven. The Sierra Madre made her shudder. She had missed Boone and ED-E back then and she figured the distance between them would only be that much worse this time around. She'd actually cried when explaining to Boone where she was going. He didn't, a pained expression filled his eyes and Scarlet wrapped her arms around him. He had rested his head against her shoulder and against the grown out reddish-brown hair.

Caravan Members around her fell. The exhaustion of the last two weeks of travel was getting to her. She finished off the last of the Tribal's and collapsed against the dusty ground in exhaustion. She felt someone picking her up and carrying her bridal style.

"You're safe now." Scarlet was too tired to protest. She leaned against him, savoring in how cold he was.

Scarlet slept restlessly; she dreamed of Vulpes Inculta killing Cass. She dreamed of Boone across the campfire from her. She dreamed he came to her and loved her, like he would've loved Carla if she was still alive. The Courier felt the water splashing and getting her Sierra Madre security armor wet. She tried to catch some of the water in her mouth, to no avail.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and couldn't figure out if it was someone from her Dream-World or if it was someone from that Wasteland hellhole. She screamed, seeing Vulpes once more. She flayed every which way, trying her damndest to get away from the person.

"It's okay, I will not hurt you." The man held Scarlet's shoulder down and whispered gently. Scarlet looked up at him, eyes half-lidded and saw bandages covering a face. And pale blue eyes. His blue eyes had caught her hazel ones. His voice was so familiar. She wanted nothing more than to fall asleep again, to the lulls of his beautiful voice.

Scarlet forced herself to breathe deeply, in and out. In and out. She was finding it hard to breathe. She was also thirsty and hungry.

"Water.." She managed to rasp out. The man took a canteen and filled it with water. He brought it to her lips and she drank thirstily. "Thank you."

"My name is Joshua Graham. I need your help."

"I know who you are. One of your Frumentarii killed my friend. I refuse to help you." Scarlet tried to stand up, grasping at the dirt as it if would help her stand.

"I have had no Legion status for many years. I had nothing to do with your friends' death. I cannot help the personal Vendetta you have against the Legion but I refuse to let you blame me for it." His voice was cold.

Scarlet scowled and considered his words for a few minutes. She studied him. He had bandages covering his face. She would've bet all of her caps that he had been a handsome man before he had been covered in pitch and set on fire.

"Fine, I'll help you." It was hard decision to come by and she felt her heart twist a little. She hoped Cass would be able to forgive her.

NVNVNVNV

Completely short and just an intro into Honest Hearts.

I do not own Fallout New Vegas or any of the said Characters. I only own Scarlet who is a product of my imagination.

Sorry if I didn't write Joshua Graham right. I am terrible at keeping characters in character. DX

And to those of you who have been reading my Fallout 3 story, I have not forgotten about you. I've just gotten a bit sidetracked with PSN Store coming up and Honest Hearts.

A review would be lovely. Thank you so much for reading.