"I hate it when you do this," Danse grumbled.
Serena ignored him, redistributing the items throughout her pack as the Commonwealth beggar scurried away with cans of purified water and a decent amount of instamash and cram. She settled her pack against her shoulder, giving Danse a sweet, innocent smile which she knew would irritate him.
He groaned in response to her and began to trudge once again through the decimated ruins of the buildings surrounding Diamond City. "I don't see why you insist on helping every lost soul in this forsaken place," Danse continued, his mood incredibly dour. "It's not like you don't draw enough attention to yourself, taking on Gunners and Super Mutants at the behest of that know it all, Garvey. Then you go out of your way to rescue those stupid enough to get themselves in a bind, risking your own life and the lives of those who follow you."
Serena sucked in a deep breath and held it. Danse was beginning to grate on her nerves. She'd gone over this with him many times and she wasn't looking forward to rehashing it yet again.
Danse continued his little rant. "All this time when you were trying to look for your kid, everyone else thought they had a greater need from you, myself included."
Serena cringed. She didn't like thinking about what had become of Shaun and had asked Danse not to bring it up. Either he had forgotten or he was intentionally trying to get under her skin.
Danse continued. "And you just can't say no to any of them or anyone for that matter! You're always there to lend a helping hand and solve all their problems because they sure as hell can't manage their own lives. Oh, and don't even get me started on the company you keep! Brazeningly waltzing around with that Synth who claims to be a detective, that disgusting Super Mutant, and that chemical addled ghoul from Goodneighbor. And you do it like it's the most normal thing in the world," Danse criticized. "Do you ever stop to think about the consequences of your actions? Has it ever occurred to you to think before you act?" Danse griped.
"No!" Serena snapped, failing to bite her tongue any longer. "I guess I don't! Because if I did, I would've never run to the police station when I heard gunfire and joined the fight, rescuing you and your crew from those ferals!" She glared angrily at Danse who recoiled slightly from her venom. "If I thought before I acted, then I would've let the Brotherhood peg you for an infiltrator sent by the Institute. I would've played good little soldier and let Maxon put you in the ground!" A stunned expression appeared on Danse's dirt smudged face, slowly melting into hurt and regret. Serena felt struck by his his pain. She shook her head, hating her vindictiveness. Danse had struck a nerve when he mentioned her son and they both knew how that search had ended.
She sighed, softening her tone. "But if I had, then your death would've been on my conscience and I don't think I could've lived with that." She lowered her voice even more. "Look, the world is fucked. No one cares about anyone else anymore. They're all out there just covering their own asses, looking out for themselves. I know I'm just one person, but I'm doing my best to make this world just a little less shitty." Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "And I could use a little support from you."
Danse dropped his eyes, noticeably abashed. "I-I'm sorry," he stuttered. "I didn't mean to go off like that. I know you're working to make things better and that's a noble task. I guess I worry that you take on too much and that one day you won't come out on top."
Serena scoffed lightly, giving Danse a cocky smile. "What do I have to worry about? I've got the best damn soldier in the Commonwealth as an escort."
The remark did little to change Danse's surly mood. "I mean it. I'm not always going to be fast enough. I'm not always going to be with you to stop whatever comes charging your way." He raised his dark eyes. They pleaded with her. "I don't want anything to happen to you. The thought of you hurt makes me sick. I-I don't know if I could handle it if anything ever happened to you."
Serena's stomach fluttered slightly at the endearment. She strove against the blush which licked hotly at her cheeks. "You worry too much, Danse," Serena replied lightheartedly. "What's got you so wound up?"
Danse shuffled uncomfortably. "You know."
Serena swallowed hard. Yes, part of her did know. It was the part which longed to be romantically involved with Danse. Before the Brotherhood had shunned him, before she had successfully infiltrated the Institute and smuggled out the files Maxon had requested, she and the Paladin had grown quite close. They had flirted off and on and shared several nearly intimate moments. However, all that had shattered when Maxon had called her to the Prydwyn and demanded she hunt down Danse and execute him.
She'd known the Paladin well and with Scribe Haylen's help, finding Danse hadn't been difficult. When she confronted him, she had done so as his friend. The facts may have changed, but her feelings for him hadn't. Unbeknownst to Serena, Maxon had followed her to Danse and ordered her to kill him. Serena had vehemently stood her ground, refusing to go through with the heinous act. She had been prepared to take on the entirety of the Brotherhood for Danse. She wasn't sure if it had been due to Maxon's respect for her or if her confident demeanor had swayed him, but Maxon finally relented, allowing Danse his life as long as he adhered to certain stipulations.
Now Danse hid in the shadows, living amongst the inhabitants of the Starlight drive-in until Serena came for him. During this time, he'd grown distant, grappling with his newfound identity. This had successfully put the brakes on any romantic relationship that had been developing between them. Serena had tried to give him time and encouragement, often resuming her flirtatious interactions only to be met with silence. She knew all too well that since Danse had discovered his true identity that he didn't feel worthy of her. However, nothing could've been further from the truth and sooner or later, Serena was going to find a way to prove that to him.
"Danse," Serena began, her voice almost taking on a desperate quality. "You have to know that nothing's changed. I still see you as the same man I did before."
Danse's mouth curled into an ugly snarl. "How can you? I'm not even a man! I'm something created by the Institute! I'm no better than one of those mindless creatures wandering the wastes! How can you-" he trailed off as he shook his head. "How can you possibly feel the same about me?"
Despair laden with wanton desire enshrouded her heart. Serena wanted to go to him, to wrap her arms around him and comfort him. She wanted Danse to feel her love for him, she wanted to show him how much he meant to her. Serena took a solid step towards the brooding soldier before the audible clink of a grenade pin clattering against wood stopped her in her tracks. She heard a grunt of effort as the grenade was hurled through the air in their direction. She glimpsed the soaring little death bomb headed straight for her.
"Grenade!" She shouted. "Take cover!" She dove to her left, taking shelter behind a heavy metal sign which had fallen years ago from the crumbling building behind her. Danse, fully clad in power armor, moved more slowly. He was forced to hide behind a pile of rubble opposite of her as the grenade hit the ground and exploded.
Innately, Serena covered her face as dirt and shards of debris rained down around her, hitting the metal sign which shielded her from harm. She breathed out slowly, thankful for the cover. She was not as well protected as her companion. Serena had forgone her heavy and cumbersome power armor, much to Danse's displeasure. She'd wanted to make her rounds to the dregs outside of Diamond City and lend a hand to those in need. Over time, she'd discovered she was much more approachable when she was wearing her Vault suit than she was clad in heavy armor.
"Ooh, pretty good eye, vault dweller! You're quick, too!" A Raider sang snidely, cackling like a maniac. "What's the matter? Your shiny armed escort can't-oh shit!"
The Raider's taunt was cut short as Serena casually tossed a plasma grenade his way. She took immense pleasure in the rampant footsteps and cries of surprise as the Raiders fled from the grenade. It exploded in a cloud of green static. Moans of agony followed the explosion.
"Chopper!" One of the Raiders screamed. "It's me leg, Chopper. You gotta help me! Throw me a stimpack, man."
"Aw, geez," one of the Raiders, presumably Chopper, hissed. An audible click from a gun cut through the air.
"Wait, no, no, no!" The other Raider pleaded as a shot rang out, silencing his cries.
Revulsion and hatred billowed within Serena. She looked over to Danse. He had moved into a better position, hunkered down in the space between two buildings.
"You okay?" He mouthed to her, unwilling to give away their position. His eyes gleamed brightly with concern. Serena nodded vigorously.
"Tate, you alive?" The Raider shouted.
"Yeah, Chop, I'm good!" A raggedy female voice called.
"Dover's dead," Chopper said flatly. "That bitch killed him. Let's make her pay."
Serena scoffed in disgust. It was just like a Raider to shoot his comrade and blame it on someone else. She turned her attention back to Danse. He twitched his head to the side, indicating he would flank the Raiders. Serena nodded, pulling out her scoped rifle. When they had first met, Danse had Serena practice with an array of weapons. He had been delighted to discover that she was one hell of a sniper. Because of this, it had become common practice for him to flush out their enemies while she coolly and calmly placed a bullet right between their eyes while distracted by Danse's rain of laser fire. Having silently agreed to their tact, Danse moved quickly, endeavoring to remain stealthy and quiet in the heavy armor.
Serena gripped the rifle, taking several deep breaths in an effort to calm her nerves.
"Don't even try to hide!" Tate shouted. "I know you're out there!"
Serena smirked. Raiders were so belligerent and cocksure. It was often their downfall. Serena sidled out from her crouched position, taking aim with the gun and waited patiently for Danse's signal. She didn't have to wait long before the electric zap of the laser cut through the air.
"Over here!" Tate yelled, firing off several uncoordinated rounds near Danse. "The bastards flanked us!"
Serena peered through her scope, immediately spotting the grease and grime streaked Raider as she popped her head up from her hiding place to fire a couple of shots at Danse. Serena sipped in a quick breath and held it, leveling the scope at the Raider's filthy head. Her finger brushed against the trigger and she squeezed it lightly. The rifle bucked in her grip and she released her breath as the familiar smell of gunpowder filled the air around her.
The raider groaned softly, slumping over and falling to the ground. Serena ejected the spent cartridge and remained hard scoped, looking for the other Raider.
"Come out, you bastard," she murmured under her breath. She caught a glimpse of Danse as he scouted the area, trying to flush out Chopper. Serena was so focused on Danse that she didn't hear the Raider creep up behind her. He stood above her, a triumphant smile on his face. He pulled his combat knife up high and plunged it down into Serena's back.
Without thought, Serena wrenched at the sharp pain which burrowed into her like the sting of a thousand radscorpions. She screamed in surprise and pain, whirling around quickly, feeling the blade of the knife snap and lodge deep under her shoulder blade.
She whipped her rifle around violently, connecting it with Chopper's jaw. The Raider stumbled backwards, flailing his arms frantically as he struggled to regain his balance. Serena gasped in pain, her lungs on fire as she struggled for breath. She was dismayed when the coppery taste of blood entered her mouth. She reached behind her back, her fingers grasping for the knife handle that was no longer there. Fear pricked blackly at Serena's mind as she realized the knife blade had broken off in her back.
"Fucking Raider piece of shit!" She wheezed menacingly, struggling to turn her long rifle on him. The Raider dove at her, kicking the rifle from her grasp. Serena's finger stung as she felt the weapon forcefully rip from her hands, firing a stray shot as it did and clatter away. Undaunted by her maladies, she reached for her 10mm pistol. The Raider kicked her pointedly in the ribs with a metal toed shoe on the same side the knife was embedded in her back, cracking several of them with the motion.
Serena's world went red and black while her heartbeat pulsed in her ears. Her fingers went numb and the gun slipped from her hand as pain shot through her entire body. She gasped raggedly, her lungs screaming with each breath. Chopper kicked her again, this time in the stomach and Serena buckled, slumping to her side. The next thing she knew, Chopper was on top of her now, pushing her back flat against the uneven ground. She could feel the blade of the broken knife slice and saw into her even more. Serena gasped, only to begin choking on her own blood.
This can't be happening, she thought dimly as the pain which radiated through her back and chest became nearly unbearable. I've survived Super Mutants, Deathclaws, Gunners, Coursers, 200 years frozen in a fucking Vault and everything else in this horrible place just to be taken down by a lowly Raider?
"I'm gonna enjoy this," Chopper was saying lewdly, unstrapping the belt to his pants and revealing his eager stiffness. Serena let out a quivered breath. She knew Raiders preferred their victims dead, but still warm.
"You're gonna feel so good," Chopper taunted. Serena blinked several times as her vision blurred and doubled. She could barely make out the Raider's leering face.
"Gonna make myself a new hole," Chopper cackled, pressing the muzzle of her 10mm gun obscenely hard into her forehead.
"Say bye bye, Vault dweller," Chopper sneered.
"Bye bye," Serena coughed. The Raider blinked in surprise at her compliance.
"What the fu-?" Chopper murmured distractedly, looking down at his chest which increasingly glowed bright red. A look of utter bewilderment crossed his face as he began to sizzle and pop, his skin turning gray and flaking. No longer eager to defile her corpse, his manhood flaked away before he collapsed on top of her in a pile of smoldering ash which was wisped away with the wind. Her gun fell from his disintegrated hand, striking her cheek hard before bouncing to the ground beside her, adding insult to injury.
"Serena!" Danse yelled, rushing over to her, his laser rifle still smoking from his latest shot.
Serena tried to call out to him, but ended up coughing and choking on her own blood as it rushed over her lips. Danse crouched beside her, his eyes frantic with dismay. He dropped his gun, fumbling for her pack, nearly ripping it apart in an attempt to find a stimpack. He grabbed one and lifted her arm, injecting her quickly.
Serena shook her head vigorously, feeling the medicine ineffectively try to help heal all her wounds.
"Won't… work…" she rasped. "Blade… broken…"
"What?" Danse asked, alarmed. "What did you say?"
"Knife blade...broken...in…my back…" Serena panted. She blinked rapidly, struggling to maintain consciousness against the darkness which needled at her vision. "Need...help…"
"Shit," Danse gasped, his eyes darting from her to her pack. He nodded. "Okay." He grabbed her pack, shifting it onto his back. He reached for her, gently threading an arm under her legs and the other under her neck. Serena moaned softly, striving to raise her arm and drape it around his neck.
Sweat beaded lightly on Danse's brow as he looked down into her eyes. "Are you ready?" He asked, his voice trembling.
Serena nodded unwillingly, unable to find her voice through the bitter taste of blood in her mouth. She braced herself as best she could. Danse took in a quivering breath before standing up, lifting her with him in his arms. Serena cried out, moaning in pain at the movements, her hand grasping the back of Danse's neck. She swore she heard him whimper at her plight as he cradled her close to him, but she couldn't be sure the pitiful sound hadn't come from her. Serena's entire back was one entire raw and exposed nerve which ripped and twisted with every movement.
"I'm gonna get you out of here," Danse promised, hoisting her up to his chest even more. Serena whimpered softly, fighting the urge to cry.
"Danse," she groaned looking into his eyes, feeling the blood escape down the sides of her mouth. "I-I-"
"Don't talk," Danse ordered, unable to ignore how pale she'd become and the blood which stained her face. "Save your strength."
"I have to…" Serena gasped, tears flooding her eyes. She no longer felt his arms under her. She was floating now, leaving the world behind her. Leaving Danse behind.
"I have to tell you. I lo-" Serena's eyes rolled back until Danse could only see the whites of them. She went limp in his arms.
"Serena? Serena!" Danse shouted. He held her close, taking little comfort in her ragged and shallow breathing. Despite the use of the stimpack, she was fading fast.
Danse allowed his Brotherhood training to kick in as he took in their surroundings. Grimly, he realized they were too far from Diamond City. Serena needed help and she needed it fast. Danse clenched his jaw, endeavoring to swallow the bile which rose in his throat. He knew where he needed to go. He had no other choice.
With one final remorseful look at Serena, he began to run for all he was worth, cradling her tightly in his arms as he headed for the closest refuge he could think of.
Goodneighbor.