The next morning, Boone wakes me. I want to wait for Charon, holding on to the faint glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he'd arrive here. I know better, though. I know if he was in fact following me, he would have been here by now. So instead of making excuses to stay, I listen to Boone. Of course he finds it confusing when he wakes me and I'm in the armor, but he says nothing. Neither one of us, are in the mood for talking or explaining.

Shoving the leather armor into the pack, I hand it over to Boone. Wordlessly, he takes it, and I put the gun on my back. Charon's gun, that is. I can tell Boone senses a dark cloud over me, but he's sensible and professional enough not to ask. I'm wry of his NCR beret, by the way. I know he says he's an ex NCR, but I don't trust organized structures of authority anymore. For good reason, too.

"I woke early to find out information."

Boone says quietly as I leave the room and walk with him through the corridors of Rivet City.

"What information, exactly?"

This just makes me more suspicious of him. I decide to keep it to myself, that I'll kill him before he can kill me.

"Protector McGraw of the Outcasts has taken control over the Brotherhood. The Outcasts have merged with them, no longer dawning the 'Outcast' name."

"How? The Outcasts hate the Brotherhood."

We climb the stairwell that will take us to the bridge. Out words are soft, with the crowds of people walking with us. The last thing I think either one of us wants, is to be caught with the other. Not sure what kind of bounty Boone has, if he has one, but I don't want to find out, either.

"Not the Brotherhood, just the faction of the East Coast."

"Right. Right."

"But the NCR controls New Vegas, along with the said gangs and Legion. Brotherhood over there has simply become a futile thing."

"When I was there, NCR was the futile thing."

"Times change."

This is light. McGraw was Casdin's understudy, before Charon killed the shit out of Casdin. I suppose since then, it's been him leading and charging the Outcasts, erm, Brotherhood. But why? Why if, like Boone says, the NCR has taken over the New Vegas territory, do they want so badly to control here? It just…just doesn't make sense.

Getting over the bridge, I feel a bit safer as Boone and I walk on the outside to talk about these things. I figure I'll go to Megaton first, to figure out where Charon might be. In the end I guess I'll just end up leaving his armor with Gob, but right now I want to speak with Bigsley. Boone is certainly going to help me with that. When we get there, anyways.

"What does McGraw want to accomplish by trying to rebuild the Brotherhood here?"

I ask Boone as we walk, the morning sun rising in the sky. It's nice out at this time of day. Not too hot, not too cold.

"Power? I don't know. Perhaps he knows that the NCR has taken over, and wants to fight for control of what once was America, and the only way to create a faction of working Brotherhood is by doing it here."

"Then another war will start?"

"Eventually, it seems that way."

"Fucking people…"

Boone looks at me, but I look away. If there was some simple and easy solution to all of this, believe me I would take it. Or even some easy way out, I'd take that, too. But no. Aside from being wanted, and the rough idea of the Brotherhood wanting utter control over a world that is perfectly peachy if you ask me, I also have to deal with the moral Charon dilemma and my own girl issues. This shit is exhausting. Maybe it would make everything easier, if I just handed myself over to the Brotherhood.

That thought never really crossed my mind before now. Never really took it seriously. But think about it. If I went into the Jefferson Memorial, and turned myself in, then they'd kill me, right? Worse to worse they'd keep me alive for a few days, but in the end they'd kill me. Then, the world could do whatever it wanted, and Charon could do whatever it is he wants to do. But…isn't that a tidbit selfish? The cowards way out? All I've done until now, would really mean nothing. Can I really let that happen?

"Where are we going?"

Boone asks and I stop short in my tracks. Pulling up my Pip-Boy map, I look at the possible areas of travel. I wanted to go talk to Bigsley. I wanted to go, and ask him if he had any information on anything, when suddenly, I was hit in the head. Usually moments like these are called 'enlightenment'. I my case, I'll call it 'common sense'. Here's the deal. The Brotherhood want me dead and are planning to wage war with NCR, roughly, not sure, my theory. That's great, but they haven't got me yet because they think I'm dead. Since they think I'm dead, and Charon is dead, they're not actively looking for me. So, I have no plausible cause to go and put myself out there at the Jefferson Memorial.

Common sense hit me, because I was about to do something entirely stupid, and lost sight of my own big picture. I've been dealing with Charon's change, and trying to view it from a neutral standpoint. Take a step back and ask 'Would Charon as I knew him want to be a drunk womanizer?' no. No he would not. The Charon I know, is in there. He's saved me from myself, and fuck whatever everyone else in this world thinks. I'm going to make him remember and be that person, selfish or not. If he doesn't like it, well he can leave after I force him back into ghoulification. Or so, my mood at the moment says. I might change my mind. I always do.

"We're going to the Irradiated Metro, then working our way up to Megaton."

"Megaton?"

"A town. I used to live there."

"Is the person we're looking for there?"

"I don't know, but my friend is, and he's got the best advice all around town."

Changing direction I lead a confused Boone up towards the Irradiated Metro.

"After we do this, and if this works out like I want, I hope you don't mind leaving."

I say as I light a cigarette. I seem to be smoking a lot more these days. Blame it on the stress.

"I won't mind. Figure during this time spent together, I can get a better feel of the Capital Wasteland."

"There's not much to do anymore here, but there's enough shit to shoot at if you're looking."

"I've noticed."

Well, alright then Boone. You notice your ass off for all I care. Right now, I'm determined as hell to find Gob, find Charon, and drag his ass into the nearest irradiated puddle. After that…after that if Charon decides to stay with me, we're going to have to find a place to hide and then deal with this Brotherhood issue. I'm confident that if he stays, he'll be beside me, no matter what I decide to do about the Brotherhood. If I could fix it all now, I would, but I can only focus on one thing. Between the fate of the world, and my own selfish love, I'm choosing myself on this one. After all, don't I deserve a break after everything I've done for the people here? Yeah. Thought so.

When we come to the metro, Boone has a look of disgust on his face. Me? I can't care any less now, than I did before. I'm on a mission, and a personal one at that. Boone is here for gun, I'm not paying him, and he can leave at any time.

"Is it safe to walk through that?"

"It is for me."

I reply, hoping to get to an Underground entrance.

"I see you!"

The familiar cry of a Super Mutant catches me off guard. Quickly, I grab the gun from my waist and look for the source. I see the Super Mutant, but not before a bullet grazes my side.

"Shit!"

I yell, distracted by the pain and the blood. It doesn't hit me where it lodges itself in my side, but does graze deep enough to tell me that it's going to bleed and scar. I'm not near the radiation right now, but I know I'll be alright.

"I got him."

Boone says casually. Another round shoots from the Super Mutant's weapon, but it misses altogether. I watch as Boone takes his scoped Hunting Rifle from his back, takes aim, and gives a clear headshot. The Super Mutant's head pops like a Sugar Bomb snack on fire. On my knees, I smirk at it.

"Good shot."

I say, still holding my side. Boone rushes over, not as amazed at his shot as I am.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah…yeah I'll…be fine."

"You're bleeding everywhere."

"Just…"

"Did you bring medical supplies?"

I have to take a deep breath in, as the pain hinders my thought process. The radiation is so close, so I just have to get there.

"Water…bring me…water."

Boone looks at me like I'm insane, so I know I'm on my own. Forcing myself to stand, my legs shake. How deep did this graze me? And what's with bullets hitting me in my stomach? I have enough rips and tears in this armor to spare.

"What are you doing?"

Ignoring Boone, I walk over to the water and let myself fall into it. Instantly, I'm warm all over, and the radiation works its magic. When I let my hands go from my side, I look down to see nothing but a fresh pink scar, and a nice rip in my top. Using my palms I push myself up, and give Boone a smirk.

"Radiation, Boone. It's my medicine."

He's stunned as I stand up, perfectly fine and walk towards him.

"Come on, we're wasting day."

"Wait just a minute."

I don't. I keep walking, so he reluctantly has to walk and talk. I know, it's hard.

"You mean to tell me you can heal by radiation."

"Well, that's what happened, isn't it?"

"Only…only ghouls can do that. Or Mutants. How come you can?"

"Dunno. Long story."

"I find myself slightly intrigued by your stories. I'd like to hear them."

And I find myself smiling. Looking over at Boone, he's cleaning off his glasses with his shirt. Maybe he and I could develop some kind of friendship. Even though I don't trust him, or his stupid NCR beret, I can see the levels of professionalism dwindling away. After all, it wouldn't hurt, to have an ally in this place.

"Why don't you shed some light on yourself instead? After all, you're in my neck of the woods. I think it's only fair based on turf."

Boone snorts something like a laugh. It'll help pass the time, to hear about him, and to hear why he really came to the East Coast. It's not like he put on some good boots and walked this far. You really have to want to get away from something, or someone, to make that kind of trip.

"Fair enough. I'm from a small town in the Mojave Wasteland called Novac. I was a guard for the town there, after I left the NCR."

"And you left Novac I take it?"

"Yes."

His demeanor quickly changes, turning cold and distant. I am the queen of dealing with cold and distant people. He reminds me a lot of Charon, actually.

"Why'd you leave?"

Boone doesn't answer. He keeps his lips pursed tight, and stares on ahead.

"Because people meddled in things, they should have best left alone."

Oh, it's personal. I get it. I don't care enough to know, and I don't really want to bring back mean memories for someone. So instead we continue on, little words spoken here and there, but nothing important. Charon's shotgun is a good reminder of where I need to keep my head. I'm mad at him for what he did, but technically I'm still loyal to him. We didn't, I guess you can say, break up. We're just on different paths right now.

"Since I told you something, you should tell me something."

There's an angry and competitive tone in his voice, with an underling of sarcasm and comedy. Blinking as I walk, I look to my left at Boone.

"What do you want to know?"

"Why did you leave wherever you came from? Or were you born out here?"

Scratching the back of my head, I sigh. Sometimes, I hate talking about myself.

"I was raised in Vault 101, only I was born in the Jefferson Memorial. Long back story. Anyways, when I was nineteen my dad left the vault, and the residents were pissed and chased me out. Ended up being tossed into the Capital Wasteland without knowing my ass from my elbow."

"And you survived? How old are you now?"

"I'll be twenty-six in a few more months. Lots more months. So I'm twenty-five."

"How'd you live without formal training? Usually if someone if from a vault, they're basically insane, or die within seconds."

"Got lucky, I guess. It wasn't easy or anything, but I made fun out of it. I had a good teacher at one point…too."

We enter the underground tunnels. I figure it's a lot faster, and a lot safer. Knowing I'm going to see Charon and fix this makes me all sorts of giddy inside. I kind of want to get there, to Megaton, see if he's there, and do it fast. You know? So then I can enjoy him all to myself. I like, toying with the idea that he'll be mine again soon, even if he may not be. It makes me feel a whole lot better about things.

"A teacher? You mean someone took the time to show you things?"

Boone is a bit taken aback as he asks that. Using my light on my Pip-Boy, I smirk as everything is greenish and white. Sometimes, small things, make me happy.

"Well…yeah you could say that. He didn't really teach me much, since by then I knew what I needed to know, but he…he saved my life a couple handfuls of times."

"Impressive. Someone usually wouldn't take the time to do that. Unless things out here are different. Or you were paying them."

"I guess…you can say it was the first one."

Walking side-by-side, I enjoy the sounds. The small creaks, the echoes of our feet. I want to reach Megaton quickly, but at the same time, I want to kind of get to know Boone. It's nice, you know, not having to go at this alone. Even though I should be alone in this mission, I like having company. It's always good, to have someone to talk to. Boone and I won't get that unprofessional, but hearing another person's voice, can make a world of difference.

"You liked this teacher?"

He's basing that off of the tone of voice I used. I give myself a small smile, remembering fond and colorful memories.

"Yeah…I did."

Still smiling, I remember how things were when I first got back here. You know, from New Vegas. Charon and I…man that was some of the best romance ever. We were so pent up and angry at one another but man…it was good. I can't seem to wipe that stupid smile off of my face, either. I guess because for the moment, I'm feeling hopeful. Hopeful, about getting to Megaton and figuring out Charon's whereabouts. The image and memory of him, holding me tight, protecting me even while sleeping…I can't wait, to feel that way again. Can't wait, to stand by him, love him, and do all those dirty things we used to do. Figure he'll have missed me too. Negative thoughts, stay far, far away.

We've been walking for a few hours, which isn't bad, really. Only, walking is exhausting. I can tell Boone isn't used to being underground for this long. We've had some run-ins with Feral Ghouls, but nothing I couldn't handle. Probably would have been smarter to warn Boone that I was shooting them, rather than letting the blast of my sawed-off tell him. Hey, he learned.

"I didn't know it was so loud down here."

Boone puts a finger in his ear and wiggles it around. I'm used to the underground, and the echoes and amplifications it makes. I can see why he's not, though. In the Mojave Wasteland, there's not much to call underground. No real metro tunnels, anyways.

"Yeah well, we should be getting to where we need to be soon. Come on, keep walking. If you're tired we'll build a fire when we get above and camp for the night."

"For a woman, you're quite determined."

"The women in New Vegas aren't much different. Stop sounding amazed."

"No, they're different from you."

"What do you mean?"

I kick a dead feral out of the way as we continue on walking. Boone called me different, and I like that. I've been called lots of things in my time here, different really not being one of them.

"Can't say. Remind me of myself in a way."

"Manly?"

"Driven. This person…they must mean a lot to you."

I let myself go for a brief moment.

"He hung the moon for me…"

Boone's eyes drill holes into my body, and a part of me regrets letting that go. I don't get emotional very often, and when I do, it should only be around Charon. Man, when I get him back, the things I'm going to say. I need to thank him, for the years and time and injuries he's put into keeping me alive. There's no real way to repay him, but maybe a good blowjob? Now I'm just being comical there.

"So you've made up your mind, then?"

"What do you mean?"

"On that boat, you said you didn't know if it was worth going after. You change your mind?"

"Oh. Well, in a way. I figure…it's not selfish or manipulating, if you're doing it out of love, and for the right reasons."

"You love him now?"

Smiling, I look over my shoulder back at Boone.

"I've always loved him. Even when I hated him, I loved him."

Surprisingly, Boone smiles back at me. Like he's happy to hear about love in the Wastes. Maybe he is. Lots of people don't really have other halves. When they hear stories about those who do, they're usually really softened by it. I feel lucky, you know. Even if in the end, Charon and I have to part ways, I'll still feel lucky. Because you know I had him. He had me, and I had him, and together we created something really nice. At least, if we do part, we'll have the warm memories.

Getting above ground, I look around. We're close to Megaton, I can sense that even in the dark. A full day of walking underground, avoiding the city and the enemies above, saved a lot of time. In reality you can reach Rivet City from Megaton in about two days. If you know how to work the tunnels, and know where to step down there, it's simple. But if your above ground and fighting and hiding and running, it can take three or four. It all depends, really. Still, I'm just that much closer to Charon. That much closer, to kissing him, holding him, and having him back altogether. I promise, this time, I'll work doubly hard at finding us a place to call our own. You know? A nice place, where we can plot, hide, and maybe…maybe spend the rest of our lives together. As long as it's here and I can fulfill my wanderlust, I think the domestic thing…just might…well, work. Part-time, anyways. Having a real home, would make everything better. Something, to return to.

"Let's make a fire."

I say to Boone, cheery even though the night is cold. Looking up as I start to gather sticks and branches from dead trees and bushes, I see some clouds rolling in. Maybe it'll rain? Who knows? I wouldn't mind that, it's not too cold. But I would also like to sleep, and I'm not sure how the tunnels are in the rain. It has been feeling a bit moist down there.

"You didn't bring any food, did you?"

Boone says, knowing the answer to his own question. The fire lights, and I sit back as the flames begin to grow and feed.

"Nope, I didn't."

"You don't seem to travel prepared."

"When you're healed by radiation, and are as thin as I am, medical supplies and food really aren't a priority. Plus, if you're hungry, we can find something to kill and eat it."

"I'll be alright. When do we get to this town?"

"Probably mid-day tomorrow. Hey, give me a smoke."

Boone gives me one of his New Vegas exclusive cigarettes. Lighting it up, I relax on the soft dirt. Usually, the dirt out here is compacted, and sometimes overly soft like sand. There's no real happy medium. Right now though, I think because of the rain, it's at a happy medium. Soft, almost like soil, the dirt will provide a good sleeping space.

"Can I ask a question?"

I've told Boone enough about my life. I want to hear about his.

"Alright."

"Why'd you leave Novac? It seems personal."

He takes a deep breath in. Inhaling on his cigarette, he exhales smoke. I can't see his eyes through the sunglasses he has on, and the glare the fire makes on them. I want him to tell me, out of sheer curiosity.

"I was married once. She was the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen, and I loved her. The people, around my small town, didn't like her as much as I did. We were…we were expecting our first child…when she disappeared."

Oh…oh wow…shit didn't mean to get this deep into his life.

"What…what happened?"

I'm almost scared to ask, really.

"It turned out…she was sold to the Legion as a slave. Five hundred caps, for my unborn son."

"Do you know who did it?"

"Eventually I found out. After…after I retuned to Novac."

"You found your wife, right?"

Boone lowers his head. I know the answer, but he tells me anyways.

"I tracked her down. I found her. She was being auctioned off. I watched her through the scope of my gun. I loved her, too much to let her live the life of a slave. I killed her, out of love, and mercy. When I returned to Novac, I found and killed the woman who sold her."

"And that's why you left New Vegas, isn't it?"

Boone nods, an immense sadness around him. That's why…he was so adamant on telling me to chase Charon. I understand now, and feel horrible.

"I'm…I'm sorry I made you tell me."

Sitting up, I put a friendly hand on his leg. He looks at me, and I feel sad for him.

"Telling someone, helps. I came here to find a new purpose. Make a new life. My wife she…she wouldn't have wanted me to stay angry and sad. She…she would want me to be happy…to grow."

I smile reassuringly at him. Taking my hand away, I stare into the fire as I smoke my cigarette. We're silent for the moment, and I hope his wife is at peace.

"This man you're going after, what's his name?"

"Charon. After Pluto's moon."
"Charon…I see. I hope, then, he knows the value of the woman he left behind."

I shift my gaze to Boone, silently telling him to continue on.

"It's not…common to find someone loyal to you in this world. Loyal enough to chase you, and put their lives at risk. I hope that when we encounter him, he knows this."

"Me too. If he doesn't, though, I'll understand. After all, when you live this life, you never know when you'll die. So it's kind of a casual thing, to get up and go wherever the wind takes you, really."

"Walking across a desert-like land, to reunite with someone you love, is never casual."

"Or easy, for that matter. I think he's worth it, though."

"And you're sure he feels the same? It would be hurtful, to get to him and find otherwise."

Throwing my cigarette into the fire, I lie down on my back. Putting my arms under my head, I stare upwards at the twinkling stars. That's one thing about New Vegas I don't miss. When you're in and out of casinos and the lighted strip, you can't see the stars.

"Charon and I have been together since I left the vault, almost. There's no doubt, that he loves me."

"I hope your right. If things don't work out, I'd like you to know Dez, I'll travel with you."

"Usually I'm a loner, but yeah. Yeah, that'd be alright."

We talk into the night. The professional barrier dropping down completely, Boone and I connect in one of those rare and deep conversations. The ones where you're honest, and talk about emotional things without getting emotional. Almost, casual, but understanding. Talking to a stranger like this, for the both of us, I'm sure brings comfort. There's a knowing sense of trust, that the other won't use this information against one. It's rare, a nice long talk, but it was needed. Two people from two different parts of the world, are so alike. I've never met someone, who was so like me before. I fall asleep that night, feeling easy and comfortable. Comfortable, and free, because someone listened, and never passed judgment.