A/N: Why hello, everyone. It's been SO long. But I have returned to bring this story, which will be a series of drabbles/one-shots between the Lone Wanderer and her sexy Ghoul-friend, Charon ;) Charon might be a bit OOC… sorry bout' that. Thank you for reading, and have a beautiful day. (Also, cookies and pie for anyone who reviews!)
Charon watches her from inside the Metro Tunnel, his fingers tapping impatiently against his rifle. Scarlett is busy biting her lip, her peculiar blue and amber eyes staring off into the distance. Dogmeat lies obediently at her feet and whines occasionally at her distressed figure, which finally rouses her thoughts. Scar turns, smiles softly and scratches the dog's ear lovingly. Charon isn't sure, but he can see her hands still shaking with fear.
Frustrated and eager to move onward, Charon stands and makes his way toward his Mistress, who immediately snaps her attention to him like he's going to hurt her. A pang of guilt kicks his gut, but what is there to be guilty over? Has he said something wrong? Done something without remembering? The last cruel act he bestowed toward her was stealing half of her Brahmin Steak, but she never seemed to care. Charon shakes his head lightly and takes that last step toward her.
"We need to be back in Rivet City by nightfall, Scarlett," He says, choosing his words carefully. He always seems to fuck everything up when he talks, "Are you feeling… ill?"
"No, Charon, I feel fine," She trails off, gaze wandering to the setting sun and then back to the Metro Tunnel. She sighs deeply before whispering, "It's the tunnel."
"What about the tunnel?" He asks, resting his rifle against his shoulder.
Scar bites her lip again nervously. Charon hates to be a pest, but he knows they need supplies, and the closest settlement happens to be Rivet City, where she can also visit her father, James. She loves him, with all her heart, and hates to be separated. Charon knows this because, sure, she likes to share her emotions, but she murmurs in her sleep. He enjoys listening, actually, because it helps him understand her better.
Charon raises an eyebrow, questioning her further.
"I'm afraid of the dark, Charon," She grumbles, brushing a strand of sun-lightened hair behind her ear, "My Pip-Boy light isn't working. There's no fucking way I'm going through there."
He never thought in a million years that Scarlett, his Mistress, the Lone Wanderer, the woman who broke out of Vault 101 just to find her dad could be frightened by the dark. He swallows, trying to ease the awkward silence settling between them, but he has nothing to say. He's just a Ghoul, not a therapist. But, Charon knows in his heart that he'd do anything to protect her, and Rivet City is their heaven.
"Here," He rasps, and slowly takes her soft, small hand into his large, scarred one. With a forced half-smile, he says, "I'll be your light."
They make it to Rivet City four hours before midnight.