Chapter Four
"Are you fuckin kidding me Stonewall?! We've got a god damn contract! Get moving!"
"I didn't sign up for this shit! Those are women! Fuckin kids!"
"They're just some dirty commie fucks. They aren't like us!"
"Fuckin Christ Montgomery! They're people!"
Charon gasped and sat up. He looked around, feeling the fear leave his body. His features softened as his eyes settled on the woman laying next to him.
She was asleep. Her beautiful bare legs were barely visible in the dim light. Her hair was fanned out across her pillow, hiding her face. She was laying on her stomach, so he reached out a trembling hand to stroke her back. She shuddered at the contact, letting out a soft moan.
"Are you okay?" Evelyn asked.
He jumped at the sound of her voice. "I did not intend to wake you." He said softly.
"You threw me off of you a few minutes ago. I promise I'm not a commie." She said with a soft laugh.
"Did I hurt you Evelyn?" Charon asked, alarmed.
"I'll be fine." She said dismissively.
"Evelyn." Charon growled, switching on the lamp. "You are not as deceptive as you would like to think.
She sat up. "I wasn't being deceptive. I'll be fine." She huffed.
"I have hurt you. I am ashamed." Charon said, rising from the bed.
"You did not! Now sit the fuck down!" She demanded. He had to oblige. He hung his head, avoiding her eyes. "Look at me." Her tone left no room for argument.
Evelyn frowned at the look of shame on his face. She pulled back her hair into a loose braid and his eyes widened and he looked repulsed. She hastily unbraided her hair but the damage was done.
"You were having a bad dream." She said, reaching for his hand. He jerked away. "I am fine. For fucks sake Charon! I've been shot before!"
"Have you seen what I did to you? The marks I have left on you?" He asked harshly, shame evident in his voice. "I could have killed you. I am a danger to you. You must sell my contract." He looked down.
Evelyn was silent. She said nothing. She didn't move, Charon could barely hear her breathing. He look back up, glancing at her face. He saw her battling frustration.
"Were you a soldier?" She asked.
"I am not sure. A lot of my memories are fuzzy." He answered her honestly. "I have extensive training, so I would assume that I was."
"Charon I will not sell your contract." She said flatly.
"As you wish." Charon answered.
"You didn't hurt me. Okay?" She insisted.
"I have bruised your entire throat. My handprint is visible." He argued.
"Stop. We are not discussing this. Turn the fucking light off. It's like four in the morning. Get back in bed." She demanded.
"As you wish." He said dully. He settled himself down, resolving not to sleep.
"Charon!" She snapped.
"Yes?" He asked, already knowing what she would say. She surprised him.
Evelyn sighed. "Will you hold me?"
He pulled her to him gently. He stroked her bare arm. He took an unusual amount of comfort in the physical contact. He was stunned that she wanted to be around him at all. She wasn't afraid of him. He had marred her beautiful skin, yet she was concerned for HIM. As if he wasn't a monster that had just choked her. He pushed those thoughts from his mind, just running his hand along her perfect arm. It didn't take long for her to drift off.
"Charon?" She mumbled.
"Yes?" He whispered softly.
"I order you to sleep when you get tired."
He felt strange, a clenching in his chest.
"Yes Evelyn." He whispered. He had a hard time controlling the affection he felt for her. He placed gentle kisses on her neck, wishing he could kiss away the bruise.
"Charon!" She moaned.
"Evelyn?" He asked.
"That feels so fucking good." She groaned. She reached out and rubbed him through his thin pants.
"Evelyn!" He gasped at the sudden pleasure. "You should sleep."
"Mmmm buzzkill." She grumbled.
He laughed, a sound he hated, gravelly and raspy. He placed gentle kisses along her jaw and was surprised when she turned. Her lips found his and the world ceased to exist for a few moments.
"Evelyn I am falling asleep." He whispered.
She let out a giggle. "Am I that boring?"
He felt himself drifting off, unable to disobey her order. "No, I am tired." He muttered.
"Sweet dreams Charon. That's an order." She joked.
"I will dream of you, and be happy." He murmured, more asleep than awake. She followed him into a peaceful sleep, fingers intertwined with his, he gave them a gentle squeeze, reminding her that she was not alone.
"What is this place?! It's amazing!"
"This is the redwood forest. Those trees are over a thousand years old."
"Look at the grass! The trees! Can you smell the air? It smells clean! I can feel it between my toes!"
"It is clean. This is before the bombs dropped."
"Oh my god. Look at you!"
"Before the bombs dropped, I was not a ghoul."
"You're gorgeous."
"I was at one time, I suppose."
"You still are!"
Charon awoke with a start again. He took comfort in the smooth arm laying across his stomach. She had nestled into his warmth, resting her head on his chest. He relaxed and stroked her hair. Having her lay there next to him, was his undoing. He knew the exact moment he fell in love. He was terrified and elated.