Thank you so very much rwills2904! I appreciate it very much!
"I can't stay here anymore. I'm putting the town in danger, I can't stand it," I say, running a hand over my face. Charon put a hand over mine, rubbing it lightly. "Where do you want to go?" he asked me. I looked around the Saloon, sighing. Charon and I were located in the corner of Moriarty's, where that odd Mister Burke used to sit.
"I don't know. Maybe I can..." I trail off, sighing. "I don't know. Wander, maybe. Maybe I'll go back to D.C, stay with Three Dog for a while. Anywhere but here," I say, shutting my eyes. Charon moved his chair beside mine, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. He kissed my cheek, just barely, but it made me blush anyways. Nova looked over at us, a little confused, and angry looking.
"And I'll be with you through it all," he promised. I smiled softly at him, before picking up the Nuka Cola bottle. He stole it from me, chuckling gravelly. I groaned in protest, poking out my tongue at him. He leaned forward, and kissed it softly. I gasped teasingly, looking over at him.
"Dare you kiss my tongue?" I joked at him, earning me a jab in the ribs. I took the bottle back, taking a big swig of the liquid. "I should probably go talk to Moira about supplies before we leave" I suggested. Charon nodded softly, standing slowly and helping me up. I felt a pair of eyes on me, but didn't really look around to see who was watching me.
The town seemed a little dimmer today, greyer. Everyone seemed to more slow, just a little more hunched over. It affected me too, as much as I hated to admit it. When Charon and I got to Craterside Supply though, Moira's bubbly personality brought my mood up. From her, I bought one hundred shotgun shells for Charon, some leather armor for both of us, and a couple more Stimpaks.
"Do you want to stop anywhere?" Charon asked me, glancing up at Moriarty's Saloon. It was true, I had debated on telling Gob and Nova about leaving all night last night, but figured it would be best if they didn't know. Maybe Gob could move on from me, find someone who could settle down, actually love him back. It wasn't like I didn't like Gob, but I loved him more of a brother then a lover. He'd been there for me through just about everything, never once complaining when I came crying to him, or just needed someone to talk to.
Before I hear that conversation, I never would have known Gob loved me. I never really got the hint, I suppose. I always assumed he was being a great friend towards me, not trying to let me know he loved me. As guilty as I felt, I felt it would be better he was left in the dark, along with Nova. Of course, it wouldn't be like that.
"Samantha!" Gob's voice called after me. I turned around, towards the voice. He was running towards me, looking urgent. I was knocked backwards, into Charon, when Gob hugged me with the force of his running. I grunted, pulling back. "Yeah?" I asked quietly, a curious look creeping on my face.
"You're leaving?" he asked quietly, like a small boy. I frowned, looking up at Charon. He had a blank look on his face, but I knew him well enough. That blank face was his very angry face. I pulled back from Gob, and took Charon had, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Yeah, we're leaving," I tell him, emphasis on the 'we'. He looked hurt, like he'd been struck by Moriarty. "Why? I know, this isn't the more fun place, but you're safe here," he said, taking my hand. I frowned, looking away. "This town is in danger because of me. I may have disabled the bomb, but we don't know if Talon Company has a better mechanic then me. They could blow this town up, all because of me," I whisper, not wanting to worry anyone. Gob mimicked my frown, gripping my hand still, like it was life itself. I pulled back from him gently, moving to him in a small, warm hug. He pulled me closer, burying his face in my shoulder.
"I'm sorry Gob. I really am. I promise I'll come back," I told him, a sad smile edging to my face. "But, please, don't tell Nova, or really anyone, I left. Let them figure it out on my own, please," I beg of him, earning his nod of agreement. I know he'll keep the secret. He pulled back slightly, his arms still around me.
"I trust you'll come back, but if you don't…" he whispered, kissing my lips, ever so gently. I could feel myself being jerked backwards by Charon. He growled angrily at Gob, putting his arm protectively around me. I frowned, tears falling down my cheeks. I felt myself being spun around by the protective ghoul, away from Gob. He didn't come after me, just stood there. Charon guided me away from him, shaking with anger. I was shaking too, but not from fury. Lucas shot us a curious look, but Charon and I ignored him. I dropped a purified water beside the man who was propped up against the rock, sleeping. Charon gave my shoulders a squeeze, as we kept walking.
My shakes didn't stop for another hour, when we finally reached the edge of D.C. Galaxy News Radio was playing softly on my Pip-boy, Three Dog's voice calming me. Charon hadn't spoken a word, not even when the Super Mutants attacked. I was worried about him, but before I could ask, a Super Mutant Behemoth burst through a large pile of cars. I knew I'd need a Fat Man, and spotted one laying close to the Behemoth. With a burst of energy, I ran forward and grabbed it, dragging it backwards. Charon had sprinted towards it, without my noticing. Two mini nukes were all I had. I aimed for the chest, firing away the nuke. The explosion was enough to throw me backwards, and knock down the monster. From there, he was shot dead. I looked around for Charon, but didn't see him. I saw a limp figure by the Behemoth. With a scared look and beating heart, I ran to look. It was Charon.
"No!" I cried, dropping own beside him. I took his face in my hands, scared. My hand moved towards his nose, or, where it was supposed to be, trying to find breath. Nothing. Sobbing now, I jumped when someone put a hand on my back. It was Lyons. She looked sad, and offered one of her Paladins to carry him inside, for medical help. I nod slowly, no words forming. A man stepped forward, carefully picking the ghoul up. I took his Combat Shotgun, gripping it tightly.
Three Dog had a hand on my one, rubbing it reassuringly. "I'm sure he'll be fine Sam. He's strong," he coaxed. I just nodded, like I had been to just about everything he'd said, I was hardly listening, my head was ringing. I was scared, all in all. I was terrified Charon was going to die, and I'd be alone again. It wasn't that I needed someone with me, but I really did love Charon, as a lover or otherwise, I didn't know.
A Paladin came up the stairs, smiling at me sadly. I almost started to cry again, taking the smile as a bad thing. "Your friend is doing fine," he reassured, then hesitated. "Anything else?" I ask anxiously. He nodded slowly. "He…he can't seem to recall anything." Then the tears flowed. "Can I see him?" I ask quietly. The man nodded softly, waiting for me to stand. I thanked Three Dog, slowly standing up to go see him. The Paladin led me downstairs, into a medical center. I saw Charon sitting up, eyes wide as he looked around. My heart clenched, as I slowly moved toward him. He looked up at me, standing up and embracing me.
"Samantha! Where am I?" he whispered to me, clutching me. I was shocked he remembered me, but didn't ask. "We're in D.C, Charon," I whispered, kissing his cheek. He nodded slowly, sitting on the bed again. I sat beside him, rubbing his leg. "What do you remember?" I ask him.
He thought for a long pause, sighing. "I don't really remember a lot. I remember an explosion, a huge, mutant thing," he told me. I hug him again, a little sad that it was my fault. "And, I remember you, of course," he mentioned. I smiled, and kissed his lips gently. He smiled, pulling me on his lap. I snuggled up to him, and sighing. He looked down at me, curious.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean to seem so sad. I really am glad you're alive," I murmured, leaning my forehead on his shoulder. I shut my eyes, his breath lulling me to sleep.