Note: Reuploaded because someone told me the format made it annoying to read. So, Eddie is an original character, Butch isn't, but Butch is so out of character I don't even… anyway…rating is for the vulgarities etc. Thanks for reviews if I get any…

I think each chapter can be read as a drabble…of sorts.

THANKS!

5 minutes before leaving the vault

Clean. It was clean. I forgot what clean was like. Dirtless floor. Stainless walls. Non-irradiated water. Clean air. Clean-shaven. Clean-shaven like Butch.

"You know Amata won't let me leave after she closes the vault." For a moment, Butch was that same boy who snuck into Dad's office to get patched up after his mother had hit him once again. Begging Dad not to tell the Overseer so his mom wouldn't get locked up.

"Where is the Tunnel Snake pride?"

"You're going to get killed."

"But you're alive." The kid has a point. "Aww. Come on, man. Take me with you. Teach me things." Butch was doing the pouting thing again with his pretty boy lips. I cringed at the sight. Seriously, was I ever like this? Clean. Pristine. Pure like a Vault dweller. Even like Butch.

"Fine. But I'm not wearing that jacket." The kid's face split into a rare grin of happiness. Then it shifted back into suave tunnel snake mode.

"Sure. Whatever. More ladies for me." He walked ahead, carrying the sack filled with selected belongings. Clean? This kid just looked like he was clean.