Arria found herself curled up where Boone had been the night before, a kink in her neck and her muscles bunched up. She vaguely remembered Boone forcing her to go to sleep sometime after midnight. Now, she had awoken to the sounds of tense voices. Manny's hands were clenched into fists, his eyes daggers in Boone's back.
"She fell asleep?" Manny groused, incredulous.
"She had a rough day," Boone grunted. "I made her go to sleep."
"So, you're really leaving?"
"Yes," Boone affirmed.
"Is it because of her?" Manny's hands gestured wildly in her general direction.
"You're just full of questions, aren't you?" the older sniper growled.
"You didn't answer it."
Boone turned around, agitation written on his face. His expression changed to neutral once he saw that Arria's eyes were on him. "It's shift change. Come on, Arria." He grabbed her wrist, and they left Manny alone in the sniper's nest to grumble and fester.
Arria nodded to Cliff before Boone pulled her out the door. As soon as the door closed behind them, he let go of her as if she burned his skin and put as much distance as he could manage between them. He lit a cigarette and tossed her pack at her. She hadn't even noticed he had grabbed them. She stared at him from behind a veil of hair.
"Let's get going," he demanded before he took a long drag on his cigarette. She held up a finger and dug through her pack. She tossed some food at him, and began munching on her portion. After they were done, she walked toward the gate.
"Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit, if it ain't my good friend from Goodsprings!" a voice called to her as she walked passed. She looked around, her eyes searching for the owner of that sickeningly familiar voice. It couldn't be. Not here. That old pile of nuts and bolts said he hadn't left Goodsprings since he arrived there.
Sure enough, Victor the Securitron rolled right up to her, his screen flashing a grinning cowboy. She narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing in Novac?"
Victor paused as if he were confused. "I don't rightly know- I just got the notion to make my way to New Vegas. Reckon I'll find out when I get there!" he finished cheerfully. She got the strange feeling as if he were following her. Of course he was going to New Vegas.
"Well, then, I daresay we shall meet again, Victor. But right now I have to get going. Good luck." And with that she turned away and went on her way. God, that robot gave her the friggen' creeps.
Boone caught up to her retreating figure with ease. She stiffened. He was going to ask what that was about. She shook her head, a silent plea for him not to ask. Either he didn't see it or he was ignoring her body language.
"What was that about?"
Arria kicked a rock. She hated being right. She almost blew the question off. He hadn't shared with her. But, she wasn't going to be like him.
"You know, it's a tale as old as time. Girl takes a delivery. Boy finds girl. Boy shots girl and takes her delivery. Girl gets dug up by a creepy robot. Haven't you heard all the sonnets about it? It's almost cliché," she quipped, trying to add humor.
She didn't have to look at him to know he was scowling. She could feel it. "So, that's your revenge mission?"
"He almost killed me. He made me forget nearly everything about myself. Yes, that's my revenge mission."
He held up his hands as if he hadn't meant to offend her. She walked on, every step bringing her closer to payback.
"It's not because of me is it? You leaving Novac, I mean," Arria asked a few miles later. Boone grimaced. "I mean, I promise I'm not that conceited. But, you wouldn't answer Manny."
"That was to piss him off," Boone grunted as he scanned the horizon. He shot a couple of bloatflies to cover up the silence. He still hadn't answered her question. He sighed in frustration. "I left because I want my own revenge. I've waited this long. I can wait until you get your kicks with this guy out of the way. But, I won't wait forever."
"Message received," Arria nodded. It hadn't completely quelled her curiosity, but she knew it was as far as she was getting today. They continued on in silence, each caught up in their own thoughts.
Arria smelled the 188 Trading Post before she saw it, which caused her stomach to growl loudly. Boone looked over at her in surprise-well what seemed to be surprise. Others would have seen it as a scowl. She smiled awkwardly at him as she held her stomach to quiet it. Her mouth began to water. She had just eaten before they left, not but a few hours ago. How could she be that hungry? Granted, it had only been a meal of Fancy Lad Cakes and Gecko Bites.
As they made their way closer, Arria began to unconsciously categorize everyone by threat level. This was obviously an NCR outpost, and for some reason, that made her nervous. Her hand hovered around her pistol on her hip. Boone gave her a characteristic scowl which she returned.
When they finally got to the heart of the 188, Boone left her without a word, presumably to get food and supplies. Arria, meanwhile, gained many a sideway glance as she climbed on top of a wrecked trailer to catch a glimpse of the distant New Vegas. It was clouded by haze and heat vapors, but she could make out the outline of its tallest buildings. The wind blew gently against her skin as she continued to stare, transfixed on the idea of the city of debauchery. He was there. Did he have an inkling that he might have failed at finishing her off? Did he sense her thirst for his blood? Doubtful. She sat there and contemplated the enigma that had become her mission in life, not caring about the locals throwing furtive glances in her direction.
Below her, she heard an aggravated sigh. "Will you get down here and eat?" She looked down to find Boone glaring up at her holding two plates heaped with food. She didn't feel very hungry any more, but obliged him anyway, not willing to argue for once. When she scrambled down, Boone thrust a plate at her and walked off, sitting at a bar. She vaguely wondered what had pissed the sniper off as she sat next to him. They ate in silence. It seemed to be a pattern with them. She told herself she was fine with it.
Boone finished his meal first, only to flit off again in search of ammo. Arria was left by herself, with still half a mound of food on her plate. His seat wasn't left unoccupied for long, however. A woman quickly hopped onto the bar stool beside her. Arria eyed her as she chewed. No guns, just a power fist. Dressed modestly in all brown. Eyes bright with energy, mouth lifting at the corners. Either she was really good with that power fist or incredibly…naïve to say the least. Maybe both.
"No offense, but you look like you've traveled a long way down some bad roads," the woman commented. Arria snorted and nodded. Vulpes was becoming an every night thing, each encounter becoming more and more…physical. Every time she woke up, she thought she was going to claw her way out of her skin with frustration and need. She could still see his eyes whenever she closed hers.
"So, where are you from?" the woman asked, trying to keep Arria's attention. Quickly, her mind flashed back to the sea of crimson Legion, but she shook that off. She was obviously not Legion. She was too well trained for a female to be Legion. Instead, the image of her dirt bed waiting for her in Goodsprings flashed before her eyes. Seemed like a good enough answer.
"The grave," Arria quipped cryptically, turning one of her best smiles onto the woman. She looked taken aback. That was obviously not the answer she was looking for.
"Huh. Well, in that case I take it back. You look pretty good, given the circumstances." The woman shuffled uncomfortably beside her, and Arria chuckled.
"You sure know how to make a girl feel beautiful," the courier chortled.
"That's what I'm here for. I'm Veronica. I live in a hole in the ground." The two women shook hands and Arria introduced herself.
"So, you live in a hole in the ground?" she asked, pushing the half mound of food on a plate toward Veronica. The other woman smiled appreciatively and began to pick off bites.
"Well, a bunker, if you want to get technical. I think it sounds more interesting my way," the other woman explained.
"It's definitely an ice breaker," Arria agreed.
They snickered together, picking pieces off. "Yeah, but I'm not there much anymore. I'm usually out here picking up food and supplies for my family. Whatever they need."
"So, you just leave your family in the bunker?" Arria envisioned children running around and a husband trying to chase after them.
"Yeah. I'm not worried. They can handle themselves. But, somebody has to get the groceries, know what I mean?"
Arria really didn't, but she nodded anyways. Veronica sounded slightly bitter, and Arria understood bitter.
"And actually these days I think they'd rather have me out here anyway. But, that's a whole other story," Veronica continued.
Arria nodded again, and they lapsed into silence. She had been hanging out with Boone too much. Suddenly, the woman beside her twitched nervously. She opened her mouth, as if to ask a question, only to close it again just as quickly.
Finally, she spat it out. "So, listen, can I ask you a question on the level?"
The courier wasn't quite sure which level she was going to ask the question on, or for that matter, what level they were on now, but she nodded and motioned for the woman to continue.
"I had a run in with this group calling themselves the Brotherhood of Steel. Pretty strange bunch. Do you know anything about them?"
Arria considered Veronica's previous body language before she answered the question. It was obvious she was one of them. There were no little hellions running around. Just the Brotherhood of Steel.
"They're usually harmless unless you use advanced technology around them," came spilling out of her mouth before she could completely formulate an answer. Where the hell had that come from? Her head ached all of a sudden, prompting her to believe that it was a piece of forgotten memory scratching its way to the surface.
Arria watched as surprise broke through on the other woman's face. It was quickly put down by a grin. "Well, that shouldn't be a problem for me. I can't afford anything like that."
The courier nodded, playing along with Veronica's game. She would tell her when she was ready.
"So…where are you headed, anyway?" Veronica asked, stuffing the last bite into her mouth.
"The Strip," Arria said, looking away. Her eyes fell onto Boone negotiating with a gun merchant in the distance. His mouth twitched into a tight smirk, and he nodded, his mannerisms almost cocky. Guns were definitely his element.
"Oooo. Very exciting. Gonna strike it rich, huh?"
I'm going to strike something. A ferocious smirk crossed her face with just that thought.
"I'll be honest," the woman beside her continued, breaking Arria's train of thought "You're the first person I've run across out here that looks like they can really handle themselves. There are places I've never been to that'd be too dangerous for just me. What do you think? Maybe we could travel together, help each other out."
Arria looked over the woman again. She was a wisp of a girl, far too thin and light. But, she did have that power fist on her arm, and she had made it this far without being killed. It wouldn't hurt to have one more set of eyes on the horizon. Hell, she may even be useful in exterminating Benny.
"Where are you hoping to go?"
"Oh, nowhere in particular, really. Just hoping to see more of the world. Looking for a fresh perspective. I want to see how different groups have adapted to survive in the Mojave. See if there's something I can learn from them."
Arria appreciated that answer. It was an honest answer. "Okay, let's travel together."
"Now you're talking!" the woman exclaimed, earning her a few sideward glances of her own. She blushed and waited for everyone to stop looking at her before she continued. "One thing you should know, first, though. I asked you about the Brotherhood because I'm one of them."
"Well, duh," Arria snorted. Veronica continued on as if she hadn't heard Arria's words.
"I know, I know. But, I had to know how you'd react…wait…what?" Veronica stuttered, her eyes big as the full moon.
"You're body language gave you away."
"And you're still okay with bringing me along?"
Arria looked her straight in her pleading eyes. She didn't want Veronica second guessing her. "We leave as soon as Boone is finished."
Veronica appeared to be speechless, and Arria left her to go talk to said sniper. He had half way finished his haggling. "We have a new recruit," she murmured tipping her head in Veronica's direction. Boone looked around, eyeing the girl.
Finally, he grunted and shrugged. "Looks like a Brotherhood scribe."
Arria laughed and patted him on the shoulder. He flinched. "Too right," she said, continuing to chuckle.
True to her word, the motley group left the trading post as soon as Boone had finished shaking down the gun merchant. Everyone's pack felt heavier as they trudged their way toward the now waking New Vegas. Veronica chatted enthusiastically, despite her companion's stoic silence. Arria grinned. It was nice to have some life to the party.
All around them, the Mojave blended together, no distinguishing features to the untrained eyes. To Arria, however, there were numerous things to notice and categorize for later notes. Her precision and attention to detail made her vaguely wonder what she used to do. She quickly shook her head. It was a moot point.
"Oh wow! Is that a Pipboy 3000? May I look at it?" Veronica requested, the embodiment of excitement. Arria stuck her arm out to let the woman investigate her technology. Veronica was practically jumping up and down with glee as she pushed buttons and turned nobs. Arria let her have her fun. Besides, someone should have fun on this long walk. Boone sure wasn't going to talk.
As night fell, they set up camp on the highest hill Arria could find. Veronica tended the fire while Boone went out to hunt something to eat. Arria busied herself by making sure their position was secured. After she was satisfied, she sat next to the chipper woman who was poking the flames with a stick.
Veronica turned to her. "So why are you really going to the Strip?" she asked, adding a couple of pieces of wood. The fire danced higher, licking and crackling against the dry wood. Arria blinked to pry her mind away from the dangerous thoughts of her father.
"I'm on a mission of revenge," she explained, pulling her hair away so Veronica could see her scar. "Benny, the leader of the Tops casino, shot me while I was on a delivery and took my package. I want to return the favor."
Veronica nodded, a look of disgust on her face. "He deserves it."
"You don't have to tell me," Arria laughed. The scribe cracked a smile and bumped Arria with her shoulder. It was nice to have someone to talk to.
Behind her, Arria heard Boone work his way back to their position. She turned around to see him with a gecko in his arms. She smiled at him, and he nodded back. He wasn't so bad when he wasn't being Mr. Stoic. He even cooked for them. After everyone had their fill, Arria cleaned the mess and insisted Veronica and Boone get some sleep. She would take first watch. She wasn't tired.
After much insisting, Arria sat alone while the others fell asleep around her. It was nice to have a moment to herself. Part of her missed traveling alone. It was quieter, and she could think without being interrupted. And she had a lot to think about. She settled into a comfortable position with her rifle laid across her lap and looked out over the sleeping Mojave.
Arria listened to her companions breathing patterns as they slowly became more uniform and relaxed. She looked over at Boone. He still had his sunglasses and beret on. She shook her head. At least he didn't look as mad when he was asleep. In fact, he almost looked handsome. She quickly looked away. No. No. No. No. No. NO. She was not going to even think like that. It was dangerous territory. He wouldn't even stand within two feet of her if he didn't have to. He had some major baggage that she was in no way, shape, or form willing to deal with. She couldn't even deal with herself. Besides, she didn't even see him that way. He was her constantly scowling companion and that was it. No more, no less.
Instead, Arria turned back to the Mojave. Her head had launched a campaign of pain against her again, a dull thud every time her heart beat. Her vision was beginning to blur as well. She pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to control herself. She tried not to hyperventilate.
Before her, another scene unraveled, a scene of pure jubilation. Arria sat on a hill overlooking the festivities, staring moodily down at the people below. Women were passed around like toys, no choice in who they danced with or did more with. Men twirled women around the huge bonfire, copping fields and lifting already small skirts. Some even went as far as they could in front of everyone, partly to embarrass the woman they were with. The sounds of their moans floated to her ears. She grimaced in disgust. Their shadows flickered in the background, just as lewd as their counterparts.
Caesar sat in a high backed chair, a woman on each side, as he grinned at his men. The women fed him grapes and groped him in equal measure. He could change this, but he wouldn't. It was far too entertaining for him. Besides, it was a celebration. She brought her knees to her chest angrily. That was why she was up on her hill, away from the drunks. With as intoxicated as the men down there were, it wouldn't matter to them that she was off limits-until it was too late for them.
"I knew I'd find you up here," a silky voice intoned from behind her. She didn't have to turn around to know it was Vulpes. His voice was unmistakable. It caused her to melt slightly.
"Yeah, I'm up here to be alone," she hinted pointedly. She didn't want to argue tonight.
"Fair enough," he conceded. "But, I just want to be alone, too. Do you mind if I sit up here, if I don't talk?"
She turned around in utter shock. He was asking for permission. She stared at him, trying to decide if he was drunk. "Do what you want," she finally murmured.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her up to him. "If that's the case, then, I want to dance with you."
She was in such a state of shock that she didn't protest. Instead, her body melded to his, fitting in all the right places. He rested his arm around her waist and took her hand in his other. As she relaxed completely, he snuggled his face into her neck, his breath dancing across her neck slowly driving her crazy. Softly, he began to sing into her ear, his lips brushing ever so lightly. The music below was fast and jubilant, but his soft words pulled the tempo down to a slow dance.
He spoke in a tribal tongue that she hadn't heard since he came to the Legion. His words sparked a soft flame to flicker below her gut. Her stomach clenched nervously when he pulled her even tighter. She felt a substantial bulge pressed against her leg. No man had ever dared to hold her like that before.
"What are you singing about, Vulpes?" she asked against his shoulder. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. He had a very serious look to him. It made her nervous.
"Love," he murmured after a pause. Part of her snorted at the corniness of it while the other half stuffed those thoughts deep down. Vulpes was always a warrior. Such admissions from him were rare hunks of gold. The closest she had seen him to this was when he was joking, and he didn't do that much since he gained rank.
The cynical side wouldn't die so easily, however. He will never see you as an equal, it sneered. There is no future. She hid her thoughts by cuddling back into his shoulder.
"Arria," he started, his heart beat picking up in her ears. "I have been struggling with something for a very long time. It has vexed me for as long as I have known you, since the moment I watched you make a recruit legionary twice your size cry like a baby. You are beyond anything I could-" She cut him off with a finger to his lips. If he admitted that he loved her, she would not be able to hold back. No, it was best to keep it unspoken.
"I know," she whispered. "I know."
Vulpes misunderstood her actions and words for mutual feelings. He pulled back and captured her lips with his, kissing her so passionately she became dizzy. He used both his hands to crush his body against hers, rocking her as he moved. She ran her hands through his hair, using it to pull his mouth down harder. God, did she love it when he let his hair grow out.
She knew she shouldn't have done this. She KNEW it. But, for once, she didn't want to care. His hands on her body were driving her mad. In that moment, she knew she felt the same about that lost boy in her arms. It could have been lust, but it wasn't. It had been boiling for years. He was her best friend, the boy she used to make eat dirt. He was strong and funny and kind to his people. Despite everything anyone said about him, he was a good man. And he was all hers if she wanted him. All she would have to do was give up everything she had worked so hard for. That thought cooled her blood considerably, and she pulled back.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his hair mussed and his lips swollen. She couldn't look at him. He was too beautiful. They both breathed heavily as she untangled herself from him. Her legs quaked unsteadily.
"I just can't do this," she sighed. His eyes shone with pain for a second before he donned his commander face, a cool mask meant to isolate and intimidate.
"Okay," he whispered, his voice cold silver. He turned away from her.
"Vulpes?" she called, something inside her afraid that they had broken. He turned around and gave her a small smile, attempting to show that he was okay. Her heart ached. She flew into his waiting arms without a second thought and let him carry her to his tent, where he murmured tribal vows of love all night and most of the morning.
Arria came back to the sleeping desert and wished, for once, that she could cry. She even wiped her eye, only to find them dry. She quickly became aware that Boone was staring at her, a hint of question in his gaze. She would have given anything to spill her secrets to her companion, but she knew he would hate her for her past. Sometimes she hated herself for it. It was time to come to grips with the fact that she was probably Legion. With that thought, she avoided Boone's steel scrutiny. It was too much.
They switched spots, Boone taking up look out and Arria curling into her bed roll. She couldn't sleep. She doubted she would ever be able to sleep ever again.