Raquel spent a great deal of the next few weeks training for the inevitable debut of the bomber. She had been named field commander of the operation and considered this a tremendous privilege, vowing not to squander it. She only hoped that she would be using it for a worthy cause. While she had come to trust Hadrian, Raquel still worried what her actions may have done to alter Hadrian's decision making. As an Elder she had plenty of responsibility to uphold, but it paled in comparison to the burden that rested squarely on Hadrian's shoulders. Every major player in the Mojave was vying for his support, it was only a matter of catching his eye, and perhaps the great Hoover Dam, and the New Vegas Strip would be theirs.
Raquel's newfound understanding of the situation in the Mojave was due in large part to Janet. Being the only one (save Raquel) to exit the Nellis compound, her testimony was valuable. The Boomers anxiously awaited the bomber to be fully repaired and for their promise to the savage to be fulfilled. They had talked about nothing else for weeks. Raquel and the rest of the Elders met frequently to plan everything out. They had argued at great length about whether or not they would continue their isolationist policy. They had decided to wait and find out who it was Hadrian was backing. Raquel, and the Boomers as a whole, were intensely wary of the New California Republic and its motives but had no opinion whatsoever of the mysterious Mr. House they'd heard about in passing. That being said, Raquel wasn't too picky, anything was better than the Legion. Hadrian had more than proved that he had cut all ties with his former allegiance.
Ever since the strange savage set foot on Nellis, he had occupied Raquel's mind the longer he stayed. She never let it compromise her focus on the task at hand. These days it was mostly training on the bomber or the monotonous guard duty, but the enigmatic Courier was always sitting there somewhere in the back of her mind.
Raquel couldn't help but wonder what he was doing. What alliance was he striking up? That long suppressed softer part of her that longed for romance, trust, and other frivolities kept producing jealous theories. Perhaps he was visiting the infamous Gomorrah, getting one last hurrah in before certain death. Surprisingly that theory bothered her less than the theory that he was out there visiting another woman. Raquel's olive skin contorted in a puzzled expression.
Another? What the hell does that mean?
Other than owing a debt to him, Hadrian meant nothing to her. Right? The thoughts she had of him were purely out of respect. Raquel stared into the distance knowing that wasn't entirely true. She had something of an infatuation with him. Hadrian was by the far the most complex man she had ever met. There was still so much she didn't know about him and she longed to learn. She hoped she got the chance and maybe that suppressed Raquel would get what it wanted.
The little Raquel continued to make her worry about that mysterious other woman. Was she out there?
Raquel cursed and shook her head. This was why she repressed that part of herself.
Sunny sat in her usual spot with her feet up in the Prospector's Saloon. Cheyenne sat peacefully beside her, one ear turned towards the jukebox. The door opened to reveal two individuals. One was tall and wearing a duster and a strange helmet. She guessed it must be an NCR Ranger. The other one wore a hooded cloak of some kind and much shorter. Cheyenne barked and moved over towards the two before Sunny could tell her to heel. Cheyenne's bark got their attention and the taller individual knelt down as if to greet her. Sunny stood up and began to move over towards the commotion, a puzzled look on her face. Her eyes widened when the Ranger took off his helmet and ruffled his jet black hair. He smirked up at her from Cheyenne's eager licks.
"Hola Sunny." Hadrian said calmly.
"Hadrian? What brings you to Goodsprings?" Sunny asked, smiling at an old friend. She glanced curiously at his companion and discovered she was a pretty female. There was still that part of her that hoped that night they'd spent together after defeating the Powder Gangers wasn't the end of things between them, but Hadrian rarely showed his face in Goodsprings. She mostly had only tales from traveling traders go on.
Hadrian's gaze darted to the folks in the bar. Sunny quickly gathered that he didn't want to be overheard. She quickly improvised an excuse for them to exit. Sunny happily noted that the female didn't follow them out back. They walked and talked for a while, simply catching up.
"My real name is Reno and my mother was killed by the Legion and so, I was raised within their ranks. I learned to fight at a very young age. I don't remember much of my time there but being a quick runner lead to becoming a courier to the Caesar himself. The next thing I remember is waking up with a scar on my forehead and an image of Benny holding a gun to my head."
"Wow." Sunny said, simply shaking her head. "That does fill in a lot of blanks."
"I realize that might change how you think of me…" Sunny cut Hadrian off before he could finish.
"It doesn't. That wasn't you. That bullet gave you a second chance." Sunny said, always the philosophical one. She liked the ring of that name, Reno.
Hadrian smiled, "You're right. And that's why I had to come back. I can never repay the people of Goodsprings for what they've done for me, but I still try," his expression was remorseful. He had been a different person when he selfishly took advantage of Sunny's interest.
Sunny brushed his comment off, "All I did was tell you which way to point a gun and set up some Sarsaparilla bottles. The rest was you."
Hadrian smiled, "Maybe so, but it means a lot to me. You stuck your neck out for a stranger twice in the span of a week."
Sunny blushed, unable to put her thoughts into words. She did her best not to blush.
"I didn't want to cause a panic, that's why I wanted to step outside." Hadrian said, his voice growing grim.
The smile dropped from Sunny's face, "What?"
"The Legion is moving for Hoover Dam again. I've rallied more than enough to take them down, but even then…It'll be one hell of a fight. I've made arrangements for Goodsprings to be protected," he said firmly.
Sunny almost collapsed at hearing this. The last time the Dam was attacked, Goodsprings felt the repercussions for months. Residents barely stepped outside. That was until a strange securitron model rolled into town carrying a dying, dirt covered man. Goodsprings had never known such prosperity since the arrival of the Courier. The Powder Gangers had been chased off and tourists seeking the origin of the famous Courier had business booming.
"I can't believe it," Sunny said quietly, "Just when things were getting better."
Hadrian gave her a sympathetic look but said nothing.
"But this time, we'll be ready." Sunny said, the usual confidence returning to her voice.
"Thank you," she added.
Hadrian nodded, "It's the least I can do for the people of Goodsprings," he paused, "Good luck."
Hadrian couldn't quite bring himself to address the elephant in the room. He had made amends for his indiscretions in the past, sometimes with Veronica dragging him by the ear, but even still he was not perfect. He then turned and headed back towards the settlement. Hadrian stopped short and turned back towards her. He could be dead very soon. Hadrian was determined to make any sort of amends that he could in the time he had left. He looked back at Sunny over his left shoulder. Her eyes were fixed on the ground.
"Sunny," Hadrian said, trying to get her attention as the wind picked up.
Sunny looked up to see him quartered away from her, not quite looking at her. His longer hair blowing in the wind. In that moment, he looked sorrowful. When his intense gaze met hers, she found herself unable to look away.
"My actions when we first met, I took advantage of you. I'm sorry for that. I hope you know that you deserve far better," he paused for a moment, looking at the dirt in shame. Before he could continue, Sunny interjected.
"You're not that man anymore. Anyone can see that," Sunny urged.
Hadrian nodded in thanks, "I have changed," he agreed, but his expression darkened, "But I'm far from redemption. People like me, Sunny, we know next to nothing about love and honor. We're necessary to this harsh reality we live in, but the only marks we make on this world are made in blood. People like you, good people, are what will save us all."
Sunny's eyes widened at his words, she had never heard anything of this magnitude from anyone and she never expected it from him of all people. It made her rethink the tales she'd heard about him. Perhaps they were true after all.
"Well, time to see just how effective my negotiations were," Hadrian said, "Take care of yourself, Sunny."
"You too," she managed, still absorbing what he'd said. Sunny watched him go and silently wondered if the people of Goodsprings would ever see him again. It was a conflicting sentiment, given he seemed to always bring chaos in his wake.
Raquel sat at her post, she looked over at the bomber and smirked as she thought of the previous day. Dozens of her people admiring the bomber as it was finally unveiled in the hangar. The image of hope in their eyes stuck with her. They had a purpose…something the Boomers had lacked for years. The bomber almost looked as though it would have during the war two hundred years ago. A shout got Raquel's attention. She gazed out at the field and spotted a group making its way towards the gates. There was a woman wearing a cowboy hat and carrying a shotgun, a bizarrely dressed Nightkin, a blonde man in a lab coat, a robotic dog, a man in NCR Ranger armor toting a powerful sniper rifle and aviator sunglasses, and a ghoul wearing a one piece outfit similar to a flight suit. Raquel spotted Veronica in her peculiar outfit. Raquel's heart rate elevated when she saw who was directly to Veronica's left. The tail of the ominous black duster whipping in the desert wind as he approached the gates. There were ominous storm clouds gathering in the background.
Raquel got down from her post and began heading towards the gate. She approached Evan, who was watching the group with a look of intrigue.
"I was hoping she'd be back," he murmured. Raquel gave him a questioning glance. She realized he must be talking about Veronica.
"Not even a chance." Raquel heard Janet mutter. Raquel couldn't help but laugh a little to herself. Her eyes were fixed on the helmet, waiting for it to come off. Hadrian had yet to look in her direction, at least from what she could tell.
A crowd had gathered. They were all inspecting the Nightkin and robotic dog carefully. It would seem Janet's stories of the legendary group had spread.
"It's good to see you." Raquel heard Pearl say from behind her.
"The Legion moves for the Dam tomorrow. Make your preparations." Hadrian said to the crowd, not seeming to have anything to say about Pearl's comment. Fearful murmurs filled the air. Raquel felt her breath catch and her body tense as she realized what this meant. She was both excited and terrified.
"Get to work!" Loyal shouted, and the crowd dispersed immediately. Everyone else left save for Pearl, Raquel, Jack, and Janet.
Hadrian stepped closer to them, looking taller than Raquel remembered.
Raquel's insides fluttered as Hadrian removed his helmet. There were dark circles around his eyes and his dark hair was longer than she'd ever seen it. There was a rather thick layer of stubble on his face, completing the rugged appearance. Hadrian looked like he hadn't slept well for long time.
"Is the bomber ready?" he asked looking between the four Boomers.
"Yes," Jack said, "Come and see for yourself!" he said proudly.
Raquel watched Hadrian carefully. He glanced at her for a moment, looking tired, but he did not protest. He merely looked at Veronica's gleeful expression and obliged silently. He looked at Raquel again to see if she followed. It looked as though he had something to say to her and was trying to decide if he should go through with it. Raquel hoped he would, whatever it was.
They made their way towards the bomber. Veronica immediately trotted up to it with a wonder filled look on her face, almost childlike as she inspected it. She was about to open one of the hatches when she stopped short, covered her mouth with her hand and began to laugh uncontrollably.
As the group caught up, Raquel saw what the fuss was about. She had forgotten about the plane's new paint job. She saw Hadrian's dumbstruck expression as his eyes went from the scantily clad and beautiful woman in the pinup painted artfully on the side to the inscription 'Pearl' emblazoned on a flowing script below. Raquel couldn't help but snicker to herself.
"Wait a minute," the other female companion said, "That's your grandma?"
Hadrian said nothing, but he didn't have to, Veronica was already nodding furiously.
The same female wolf whistled and almost keeled over laughing.
"I see where you get your looks from, Courier!" the male in the lab coat added snidely.
The rest of the group either didn't follow or chose not to participate. The robotic dog moved by Hadrian's side and rubbed his head against his master's hand. A gesture which Hadrian returned gratefully.
"Now that we're done making me feel uncomfortable, let's see the inside shall we?" Hadrian said over the din, sounding more like himself. He shyly glanced at Raquel for a minute and looked a little embarrassed, something she had never seen before. She immediately moved over and opened one of the hatches. The two ladies clambered in and immediately began marveling at the firepower the 'Pearl' had. Raquel climbed in after them to make sure they didn't accidentally mess with the settings she and the rest of the crew so meticulously set.
Raquel came to a stand, having not realized Hadrian was standing right there. She turned and looked, realizing she was only a few inches away from him. She looked him directly in the eye, her breath catching in her throat.
"So, do you fly her?" Hadrian asked quietly, his voice suddenly alluring.
"Huh? No, I drop the bombs." Raquel said, quickly moving away. She sheepishly noted the two ladies looking at her with wary smiles.
"I should have known." Hadrian said with a small smile that made her face feel heated, especially her cheeks. What the hell was the matter with her today?
"This is amazing." Veronica said, rescuing Raquel. "I'd love to study it."
Raquel looked at her, seeing quickly that Veronica knew exactly what was going on, and she seemed highly approving.
"Feel free. You seem to know your way around machines."
"Do I ever!" Veronica practically squealed, marveling at the planes controls.
They let Veronica and the other female companion, whom introduced herself as Cass, peruse the plane for a while longer before they exited.
Pearl was still standing outside, waiting for Hadrian. Deena was standing next to her.
Hadrian approached Pearl purposefully.
"Now, I want to hear what you know about me. I'd prefer to know exactly who I am, should I die."
Raquel saw a number of companions and Boomers alike that took issue with how casually he spoke of his demise. Pearl's mouth twisted forlornly. One of his male companions, the one wearing a beret, nodded in understanding and placed a calming hand on Cass' shoulder. Veronica looked down sadly.
"Very well." Pearl said, her voice creaking slightly. Raquel couldn't recall ever hearing it sound this way.
"I can show your companions to the mess hall as well as a place for them to stay for the night, Hadrian." Deena said helpfully.
Hadrian nodded to her in thanks, "I appreciate it."
Raquel looked at Deena, who jerked her head towards Hadrian and Pearl's retreating forms.
"Go on."
Raquel walked after them, making sure to keep her distance. She stopped outside the barracks doors and listened. What she heard Pearl say was hard even for her to listen to. Most of it she had known already, but she couldn't imagine how Hadrian felt.
"I don't care who my father is! What I care about is how you turned your back on her! Your own daughter!"
"I wasn't Elder then, Reno."
"It's Hadrian to you! You don't have the right to call me by the name she gave me! We may be blood, you and I, but we are not family! I am NOT a Boomer, nor will I ever be! And here you are, using family again for your own gain!"
"I'm trying to save you, Hadrian!"
"Save me from what! You had your chance when I was a child! Why now?"
"I am trying to prevent you from becoming your father!"
"My father?"
"The most ruthless ruler in all of the Mojave."
"I thought you had more faith in me than that." Hadrian said, his voice low and quiet. The sound of footsteps could be heard as well as Pearl's attempts to get him to stay. Raquel did her best to move away from the doorway and not be seen.
Hadrian was so upset he didn't seem to notice Raquel. She couldn't understand why, but she called after him. What help could she possibly provide? She just knew she had to do something.
"Hadrian!" she called.
"What!" he shouted, whipping around to face her, his deadly expression startled her. Hadrian realized who it was and his expression softened. A lone tear streak shone on his cheek, but he didn't seem to notice.
"I believe in you. You're not your father." Raquel said, surprised by her own candidness.
He looked completely stunned by her words.
"I thought you—I'm ex-Legion." He managed, his thoughts clearly racing.
"You're more than that. You're the Courier. A name that brings hope to so many."
"You really mean that?" he asked, stunned.
"You brought hope to our tribe. To me, even though I refused to see it at first."
"You had every right to be suspicious of me and my intentions," he said, his expression still shocked. "You still do."
"Maybe, but I'm not. You brought the bomber back to us, even when you had every right not to. I'm glad you came back."
"You don't even know who I'm supporting."
"It's not the Legion, that's all I care about." Raquel said with a shrug. She looked him dead in the eyes.
"Why did you bring the bomber back?"
"To piss you off, just once more." Hadrian said with a faked grin.
Raquel smirked, he was dodging the question with smart ass comments like the old Hadrian she loved to hate.
"Bullshit. You care about the Boomers, whether you admit it or not." Raquel pressed.
"I—" Hadrian moved dangerously close to her face, only to pull away, "I can't do this." Hadrian said, running a hand through his hair and turning away. He walked off at a fast pace. He didn't deserve her trust. She didn't deserve the disappointment he would cause her.
Raquel stood there stunned. What the hell just happened? Why did she feel so stung?
"Aren't you going after him?" Deena said, kicking off of the barracks wall.
"What?"
"Don't play dumb. I've known you a long time and I've never seen you behave the way you do around him."
Raquel just stared at the guard. Unable to find words for the way she was feeling.
"I've been with men before." Raquel said defensively, finally able to speak.
"Yeah, and they didn't have you tripping over yourself. Besides, they were all Boomers not a dreamy savage that single-handedly saved our tribe to impress you." The way she said savage made it sound like a good thing, exotic even.
Raquel just shook her head, "I'll never see him again."
Deena cut her off, "Listen, the way I see it, you have two choices. You either let him go and never hear from him again. Or you go and find him and take what's yours and no matter what happens, you will always have that. If he survives, he'll have a reason to come back."
"If he survives. It's like you said, I've never been this way before…if I put myself out there and he dies…" Raquel said, her voice trailing off.
"Look, it's up to you." Deena said, holding up a hand. "I'm just saying if I were in your shoes, and believe me, I'm not the only one that wishes she was…I know what I would be doing. No pressure from me, I just don't want you to miss out."
Raquel nodded, feeling more nervous than she ever had. Tomorrow she would go to war, but that somehow seemed small in comparison to what she was about to do. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if he did? Raquel had no idea what she was doing, but she put one foot in front of the other. Somehow she knew where he would be.
"Hey," she said, peering in the hatch of the bomber. Hadrian was sitting in the pilot's seat, staring at nothing in particular.
"Hi," he greeted quietly, clearly having a lot on his mind.
Raquel took the seat next to him. "What were you going to say earlier? About the bomber?"
Hadrian's attention was fully on her now, "Its better I not say."
"I want to hear it." Raquel pressed.
"Why? I leave for good tomorrow. There's no telling what will happen after that." Hadrian said, shifting uncomfortably. It was something she'd never seen him do before, he was always cool and collected, except around her lately.
"It matters to me." Raquel insisted.
Hadrian gave her an assessing look. She had her hair down and it framed her beautiful face wonderfully. Her deep brown eyes filled with feeling. Hadrian knew this look. That coupled with the fact that he was acknowledging her attractiveness terrified him.
"Why are you so bothered at the prospect of me leaving? I'm an outsider, you've wanted me gone since the moment I set foot in your base."
"Maybe I don't anymore," she responded with a shrug.
Hadrian gave her a funny look, "Alright, I brought the bomber back because I felt I still owed it to your people. I still owed it to you. Even if you did shoot at Veronica."
Raquel felt her stomach drop a little at that.
"No matter where I go, I always bring chaos. I originally came to Nellis for the reasons you suspected…the howitzers….but it became more than that. I started to remember who I was."
Raquel glanced at the scar on his forehead.
"What do you remember?" she asked.
"Terrible things. Starving as a child. My mother being ripped away from me. The things I endured as a child soldier. I couldn't have been more than ten when I killed my first man. The things I did to people in the name of the Caesar. Pearl is right to fear me, but she kept it from me in hopes of protecting me. Of all of the people I met here, you were the only one who was truly honest with me and I appreciate that." Hadrian said, standing and moving into the belly of the plane.
"You're not that person anymore. You have a second chance." Raquel persisted, following him.
"That's why I'm going to put things right tomorrow, or die trying." He said firmly.
"Why do you talk about tomorrow as though you know you won't survive?"
"Because I have to fight Lanius. He'll be looking for me. The man is a monster with a bull's strength. He's driven by hatred. I can't hope to match him, I've accepted that. But I have to try."
"Making a martyr of yourself fixes nothing, Hadrian." Raquel said firmly, bordering on scolding.
"What is with you? Why do you suddenly care so much?" Hadrian asked, bewildered.
"I owe you my life, twice over."
"Don't worry about it, Raquel."
"You're so infuriating!" Raquel shouted.
"I know that! You've made your feelings abundantly clear!"
"Will you shut up and let me finish?" Raquel snapped.
"Fine!"
"Since you're too busy being honorable and selfless in your own irritating way. I haven't had the opportunity to make my current feelings abundantly clear," she scolded.
Hadrian stared at her slack jawed. Raquel realized just how much taller he was than her as she looked up at him. Being half Asian, she didn't really expect to be towering, but she made up for it in physical strength and powerful personality.
Raquel closed the distance between them and pulled his head down, kissing him full on the mouth. It took him a moment to return the kiss, he was so stunned. Raquel felt him wrap his arms around her tightly. What the hell was happening?
Raquel felt the kiss deepen and grow hungrier. Suddenly, her hands were at his tank top and his smooth skin and toned muscles were beneath her hands. A memory of Jack and a shirtless Hadrian fixing the solar panels. She had seethed at the sight while the rest of the female population fought to gawk at him through binoculars. Yet here she was, up close and personal with him. Her entire body felt as though it was on fire. She aided him in shedding her top layer and shivered at his touch. Her normally tough body felt so sensitive.
Raquel felt Hadrian pull away briefly.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked. "I won't tell anyone…if you want to stop this."
Raquel was surprised by this gesture. Most men she knew (or had been with in the past) would have kept going full steam ahead.
Raquel pulled him towards her and locked lips, then tackled him down onto the cold metal floor. He gasped a little at the contact with the cold, but kissed her back just as eagerly. Her strength pleasantly surprised him. He deftly slid her fatigue bottoms off and gently explored her figure. Raquel did a little exploring of her own as she undid his cargo pants. It was hard not to notice that part of the legend was true as well, he was as into it as she was. Raquel continued and began to grab at his boxers. She felt Hadrian's hand grasp her wrist and before she knew what was happening, her bra was unhooked and her bare back was against the cold metal floor. Hadrian had stopped kissing her mouth and moved down her neck, making the hair on her neck stand on end. His hands roamed her chest and teased her nipples. Raquel was having a hard time keeping her pleasured moans quiet. When his mouth replaced his hands, she had to bite her lower lip hard. As he did this, Raquel felt him gently remove her underwear. Hadrian's hands moved down along her sides to her hips. Raquel expected him to take off his boxers at this point, but instead he grasped her thighs and guided them apart, admiring her sex for a moment before bringing his lips to it. Raquel had no idea what hell he was doing, but before she could begin to protest, Raquel couldn't stop herself from crying out in pleasure. She had never experienced this before but needless to say, she liked it. To add more to her already aroused state, Raquel felt Hadrian's hands slide up to her breasts again. Her mind and body were beginning to overload. It was then he decided to join in on the fun.
It wasn't her first time, but Raquel could immediately tell this was going to be different. The moment he entered her to be exact. It didn't take long for his excited groans to join hers.
Hadrian stared at Raquel's sleeping form for a long time. He ran his hands through his grown out hair. Hadrian couldn't explain the feelings that passed through him as he looked at her. His whole life had been about duty and honor, though the definition had changed, it was all he knew. This, whatever it might be, was entirely different.
Hadrian knew this was the end of the relationship, given he would likely not survive the coming battle. For some reason, this battle felt like the end. Everything he had been doing the last few years had been building up to this one pivotal moment in time, the Second battle for Hoover Dam. Hadrian had done everything he could to form an alliance between the NCR and Mr. House. He honestly didn't know how he managed to convince them to work together. It was obvious that it wouldn't last forever or even past the battle, but it was something. He may never get the chance to understand what exactly, but it was worth fighting for. The good people of the Mojave were worth it. The guilt of his actions as a legionnaire had pushed him forward even after his thirst for vengeance had been sated. Along the way he had made friends that helped him realize his curse may also be a gift. Hadrian had the ability only a handful could claim, the power to make a lasting impact on thousands of lives. It had been a grueling journey. Hadrian had been tempted many times to stray from his purpose, but the kind faces that still prevailed in such an inhospitable world guided him back.
Hadrian smiled at Raquel. She was the only one who had been genuine with her feelings towards him, even if it was suspicion and loathing. He had found her behavior towards him amusing. It had never been difficult for Hadrian to find sexual encounters, but he quickly become bored of the women that threw themselves at him. Being a product of the Legion, he had an appreciation for power. Raquel definitely fit the bill. The fact that she hated his guts all the more appealing. Hadrian loved a challenge. Raquel had inexplicably become more than a conquest. Hadrian had no idea what he would say to Raquel after she awoke. His eyes went to his feet.
Raquel awoke to the sound of someone gently nudging her. It was barely light out, but just enough to see around the inside of the 'Pearl'. Last evening's events suddenly came back to her and her eyes widened. Raquel rolled over expecting to see Hadrian's cheeky smirk, but found Janet poking in the hatch from the chest up.
"Quick! Get changed and follow me! He's about to leave!" Janet whispered, throwing the heavy armor at her.
"What? Who?" Raquel stammered.
"Oh don't play dumb. You hit the jackpot last night, right?" Janet said with a mischievous chuckle.
Raquel rolled her eyes, "Sure, whatever. But what did you say earlier? Who's leaving?"
"Hadrian! He's leaving for the dam!" Janet exclaimed. She immediately winced and began to look around to see if anyone heard her. "Jack is stalling as long as he can!"
Raquel was already dressed and sliding towards the hatch. As her feet touched the concrete, she quickly scanned the area near the gates. She could see a crowd gathered and hurried towards it alongside Janet.
Hadrian stood at the head of the crowd, armed to the teeth with every weapon he could carry. He had cut his hair and shaved. He didn't seem to notice Raquel had
"You cut your hair," Pearl remarked, voicing Raquel's question.
"I want Legate Lanius to recognize me. I'm getting my rematch," his voice matching the steely look in his eye.
Raquel watched Veronica place a hand on his shoulder. When Hadrian looked at her she nodded in Raquel's direction. Veronica's eyes met Raquel's carefully. There was concern in them.
Time seemed to stand still as Hadrian's gaze turned to Raquel.
"Be ready," he said firmly, before turning and heading through the gates. Raquel could see Veronica giving her an apologetic look.
Raquel could only stare at him in shock. That was all he was going to say?
"Wait!" she shouted, running after him.
Hadrian slowly turned to face her. His expression was remorseful, but there was no mistaking the resolve in his eyes.
"So that's it then?" she said incredulously.
Hadrian's expression softened at this.
"Raquel…"
She was far too furious to let him answer, "I was just another conquest, is that it?"
Hadrian looked deeply hurt for the briefest of seconds, and in a blink it was gone.
"You're so much more than that, Raquel, but you and I both know that tomorrow isn't guaranteed. I didn't want to make things more complicated for you." Hadrian said sadly.
Raquel could tell he meant what he said and she felt a little remorseful at her harshness.
"Well, you did anyway," she said with a simple shrug, "Besides you owe me."
Raquel grabbed Hadrian by his collar and planted a big kiss full on his mouth.
"So come back in one piece," Raquel said, her voice firm despite being charged with emotion.
Everyone, Hadrian included, gave Raquel an astounded look. There was also a wolf whistle coming unmistakably from Deena.
"I'll do my best," he said with a small smile. He put on his helmet and
Veronica smiled at Hadrian, before turning to Raquel and giving her a determined nod.
Raquel turned immediately to her people, more specifically her charges. She didn't want to watch him leave. She pointedly ignore their shocked expressions.
"Well, what the hell are you waiting for? We need to get the howitzers in position! Let's move!" Raquel's voice startling everyone into action.
