"I didn't realize you 'ad been through quite so much, Madame."
Renee tapped the ash from her cigarette into a nearby ash tray. "You can call me by my first name."
"R… Renee."
"But…" She took a breath before sticking the cigarette between her lips again. "Yeah. You know… Losing her almost hurt worse than losing my husband. Almost." She ground the cigarette in the tray and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to bore you. The last thing you need is to listen to me complain."
Curie's green eyes widened and she shook her head, her short brunette bangs falling into her face. She reached up to brush them away. "Non! Madame—Renee, you are not boring me. We are friends, yes? If zhat is true, then I am more than 'appy to listen to you."
"You're a real sweetheart." The redhead looked up at her. "Why don't you lie down, enjoy the night? The stars are beautiful."
"I…" Curie nodded. She lowered herself on the mess of blankets and pillows and one unzipped sleeping bag.
At first, she felt confused as to why Renee insisted on dragging all it up to the top of the Red Rocket, but once Renee explained she wanted a place to watch the stars and relax, maybe have a drink or three, it made a little more sense. Made a lot more sense. Curie glanced at her companion. It was one of the few things she could make sense of regarding Renee.
Renee sat up and grabbed a Nuka-Cola and a bottle of rum from the cooler next to them. "You want one?" She held two glasses in her other hand.
Curie gave a nod. "Yes please."
"See, you know how to drink. Beer doesn't do a damn thing, but rum, vodka? Hard stuff? The hard liquor's the best liquor." Renee poured out two Nuka Libres, passing one to Curie. "Sorry, I don't have any cherries." Her lips quirked into a smile.
The Synth murmured her thanks before taking a sip. There was a good blend of the sweet, not-so-bubbly soda before the smooth, warm rum took over as it all went down her throat. As a Miss Nanny, she remembered the other doctors drinking alcohol and enjoying it; but she never thought she'd get to enjoy it too. "You know, I think zhis would be tasty with Nuka-Cherry, oui?"
Renee said nothing.
"Madame?" Curie reached out a shaky hand to the woman's shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry." Renee's voice sounded thick. She downed the drink in one go and put the glass to the side. When she looked up, her eyes were filled with tears and a few already began to trail down her freckled cheeks. "I was just…just thinking about when Piper an' me would sit out on the roof and—and watch the sky. 'Course the lights of Diamond City made it hard but it didn't matter, we were together, that's all that mattered, but then she…" She slammed her fist on the blankets. "I tried to explain everything but she just didn't want to listen!"
Curie squeaked in surprise when Renee practically leapt on her, clinging to her weakly. Her shoulders shook and her whimpers were muffled against the Synth. Curie awkwardly rubbed her back. "Ma—Renee, everyzhing is all right. I am 'ere."
"I should've known…" Renee shook her head, gripping Curie's flannel shirt. "I should've known better…"
To this, Curie had no response. She continued to hold Renee in her arms while the woman mumbled regrets and cried.