Excitement rose in Agnes' stomach as they approach the outskirts of New Vegas. For the past two nights, she looked to the glowing lights in anticipation. Her main thought is food, it was surprising to find the Boomers were vegetarians. After accomplishing the monumental task of eating only grain and vegetables for two months, Agnes is eager to sink her teeth into a steak. Even Vulpes is in a good mood as they walk through the ruins outside the city walls.
"Caesar is going to be so pleased," her Mentor says for the third time.
It was odd, she has never seen him smile so much. At least without a knife in his hand.
"I can't wait to see the plane fly," she adds. "It's going to be amazing. Think they will let me ride in it?"
"I don't see why not, you made it all happen."
"I did," Agnes agrees. "With your assistance."
"All for the Empire, my lamb," Vulpes grins.
"So what's gonna happen now?," she asks after a while.
"We wait," he replies. "We have done better than expected but in order to use our advantage, it has to be built first. Loyal said to give them three months."
"What about me?"
"You will wait too."
Agnes shoots him a sour look. Vulpes grins, giving a chuckle. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder, he pulls her close til they are walking hip to hip.
"You have done spectacularly, I'm very proud of you. Once Caesar hears of all that we have accomplished, he'll want to keep you forever!"
Vulpes wording reminds her that there's more at stake than just the Mojave.
...
"Go up and get dressed, meet me in two hours at The Luxe. I'll be at the bar," Vulpes says smoothly as they stand outside the Lucky 38.
"Until then," he winks.
That man, she thinks watching Vulpes saunter away.
Speaking of men, there is one that Agnes needs to talk to.
House is understandably upset, his agent gone missing for six months. Despite his initial attitude, he is pleased with all that she has accomplished, especially in regard to the Brotherhood.
"Good," he says, hearing of their destruction. "It was only a matter of time before they would have gathered the gumption to crawl back out of their bunker."
Before dismissing her, House tasks her with dealing with the Omertas, alliance or death, the choice is hers.
Despite saying affirmations, Agnes is uncertain if she can do anything, knowing Vulpes has been working that area. With a shrug, she dismisses the thought, it can wait until later. More important tasks are at hand, like what to wear to dinner with Vulpes and what would come after. Agnes decides she has worked enough for others, now is a time for herself.
It took less time than expected to get ready for the evening. Her first pick is a sexy red number with fitted sleeves and a high slit on the floor length skirt. Agnes imagines the smile on Vulpes' face when he sees her, probably complete with some comment about the Legion looking good on her. A little bit of sparkle catches her eye. Tucked away in the back is a silver sequined dress. It is short, sparkly and very Vegas.
"Perfect," she announces.
...
Since she has almost a hour before she is to meet her Mentor, Agnes thinks of paying Yes Man a visit. Her thoughts stop cold when she spies a man standing at the bottom of the wide stairs.
"That man don't trust anybody does he?," she calls out to Alerio.
"That's Mr. Fox for ya," he replies with a grin.
Alerio gives a low whistle as he gives Agnes a once over.
"Looking like that, I can see his concern. Here put this on."
Agnes looks at the item that he offers.
"A coat? Really? I swear that man is truly trying to be my husband."
Alerio cocks an eyebrow at her statement.
"Go ahead," he says. "Save us all a tongue lashing."
Agnes grumbles about being a free woman as she puts on the tan garment. It covers her completely.
"Really?," she says looking down. "I look like an old woman. Seriously who even wears a coat on the Strip?"
Alerio listens her rant, offering no response.
Agnes steadily huffs as she tries to arrange the garment into something other than on oversized coat.
"Can I ask you a question?," she asks, still smoothing down the fabric.
"Only if I can ask you one," he replies.
Agnes nods in agreement. "Can we go somewhere?, I don't want House to eavesdrop."
Alerio smiles, offering his arm.
"I know the perfect place."
...
"That's enough!," Alerio says firmly at the weapons check at Gomorrah.
The Omerta is methodical, clearly taking his time to "search", his hands lingering too long in certain places.
"I'm just doing my job," the young man replies with a grin. "Don't like it, go elsewhere with your whore."
Alerio takes a step towards the man.
"Don't," Agnes says, placing a hand on his arm.
The Omerta smirks, "Enjoy your visit."
"I know your face, " he says to the smirking man. "Mr. Fox will hear of this disrespect."
The man looks concerned as they walk into the casino.
Alerio takes them downstairs into a dark, warm room.
Brimstone reads a sign on the wall, illuminated by fake flames. The music is loud as men and women gyrate on various stages set around the large space. Agnes looks around the sparsely populated room, all eyes upon the entertainment. She even spots a pair of Ghouls on a smaller stage. Alerio leads them to a table tucked away in a corner, a placard on the table reads VIP.
"You sniff at the Thorn, yet take me to this place," she says sliding into the booth.
Alerio grins, "You prefer blood sports over sex? No wonder Mr. Fox seems fixated on you."
"Oh My God, please don't say things like that. I'm having a rough time as it is."
They sit for a moment, Agnes once again fussing with the coat. Alerio orders them a round of whiskey.
"So you wanna go first?," he asks after the drinks arrive.
"Sure," she draws, holding her glass.
Agnes sighs, not quite sure how to phrase her question.
"When you were a student, learning from Mr. Fox...did he take you on a trip?, " she asks ackwardly.
Alerio gives her a strange look, "What kind of trip?"
"A bonding exercise, is what he called it afterwards."
"What exactly happened?"
"There was a ranch, somewhere Southwest of Nellis. We met some guy, Marcus and his merry bunch of assholes, joined up with them."
"Is that were you got that?," he asks, motioning to her neck.
"Unfortunately so."
"So what happened?," Alerio prompts.
"They attacked the ranch, killed all the men, dragged the women inside and then..."
"Stop," Alerio says, holding his hand up. "You don't need to tell me anything more. "
"Is it true? Does he do this will all his students? ," she asks. "Did you?"
Alerio looks at her for a long moment.
"Dammit," Agnes spits, understand his silence. "I regret ever meeting you people. You're all touched in the head."
"Says the woman that destroyed the Brotherhood, which by the way is quite impressive," he retorts.
"That's different,"
"How?"
"I didn't have a choice."
"Did you really?," he says, narrowing his eyes at her. "One always has another option."
"What's your question?," she blurts, eager to change the subject.
Alerio grins, leaning towards her.
"What is with the rings?"
Agnes blushes.
"Mr. Fox thought it clever if we were a married couple. The Boomers are led by this older woman, Mother Pearl, he thought she would be more inclined to assist us if we were a family."
Agnes laughs, "I'm afraid he may be taking his role a bit too seriously for my liking."
Alerio smirks, "It's the most I've ever seen him smile."
She sighs.
"Can I trust him?," Agnes asks.
"I can't tell you that, you have to ask yourself," Alerio responds. "I can tell you that Mr. Fox is bound to assist you in any way possible. Father truly believes you are the way to victory."
"Great," she says flatly.
"Well ask yourself this, are you a wolf or are you still just a little lamb?," Alerio states.
Agnes sighs, "I gotta go."
...
Vulpes grins when he spots Agnes approaching.
"Glad you listened," he says smoothly, pulling on her baggy coat.
"Can I take this off?," she asks. "It's hot and people are staring."
"You may," he says. "But not here."
Vulpes takes her hand, "Come on, I wanna show you something."
"If it's a dead body, I'm going to be very disappointed."
The pair take the elevator to the upper floors, Vulpes still holding her by the hand.
"Any reason why I had to wear this oversized thing," she remarks, staring at her reflection in the mirrored wall of the elevator.
Vulpes looks to say something before deciding otherwise. The elevator chimes as the door opens, Vulpes pulling her to the left. They walk down the lavishly decorated hall, stopping at Suite #3. Grinning, Vulpes opens the door. In one swift motion, he picks her up and carries her over the threshold.
"What are you doing?," Agnes squeals. "Put me down."
Vulpes chuckles as Agnes clings to him. She squeals again when he drops her onto the bed.
"Better bounce on this one," he says, looking pleased with himself.
Agnes huffs buts ends up smiling at him.
"You aint right," she responds.
Vulpes smiles as he settles beside her on the bed. His hand drifts to her waist, pulling at the knotted belt.
Agnes slaps his hand away, grinning at the look on his face.
"Food first, I'm starving," she says.
Vulpes gives her a playful look as he helps her up.
"Allow me," he says, untying her belt before she could object.
With anxious fingers, he unwraps the baggy coat from around Agnes, throwing the it aside. She watches him, eagerly anticipating his response. Vulpes makes an appreciative sounds as he surveys her. Taking her hand, he guides her into twirl, showing off the silver dress.
"Very nice," he purrs, running the back of his hand down her side. "Come Wife, let's go get something to eat."
On the ride back to the ground floor, Vulpes drapes an arm over her shoulders.
Not a bad looking couple, she thinks, looking at their reflection in the mirror, especially when dressed up. A far cry from what they truly are.
"House wants me to deal with the Omertas," she offers.
"Not tonight, lamb. Let's just enjoy each other's company for the evening. I think we have earned the pleasure."
...
They walk into The Gourmand and are immediately seated. Agnes doesn't need to look at the menu as she demands a thick steak. Vulpes orders for both of them while she looks around the room.
"I wanna take a picture," Agnes states, watching a photographer take another couple's picture.
Vulpes sniffs, "Tourist."
"Please!," she says with a toothy smile. "I've always wanted to have one!"
He eyes her with uncertainty as he sips his drink.
"Please Dominus," she begs in a low voice with pouty lips. "I won't ask you for anything else."
"I bet," he responds.
"At least not tonight," she offers slyly.
Vulpes quirks an eyebrow at her.
"Please Husband," she tries again. "Don't you want to take picture with your wife?"
Vulpes chuffs, setting his drink down.
"Alright Wife," he says motioning to the photographer, "You win."
Vulpes and Agnes sit together in the middle of the spacious horseshoe shaped booth, their left hands intertwined, showing matching golden bands.
"Smile pretty," the young man says before the flash goes off.
"Newly Weds?," the photographer asks as he hands Agnes the ticket stub.
"Does it show?," Agnes smiles back.
"Congratulations!," the young man offers before moving into the next table.
Her steak is fantastic.
...
Agnes giggles as her Mentor feeds her a bite of the beautiful dessert that had been delivered compliments of the chef.
"That is delicious," Agnes says eating a spoonful of the cold dessert. "What is it?"
"This is called ice cream."
"Ice cream?"
"Pre war food item, apparently it was quite popular," Vulpes explains, taking a bite.
Agnes nods, she remembers reading about ice cream in the Encyclopedia.
"I very much wish I could have seen the old days, they sounded very nice and exciting."
Vulpes chuckles, "Exciting is what lead to the War."
"I mean, just all the stuff they had, just to make life easier. Like planes, automobiles, telephones, television. It's mind boggling yet fantastic all at the same time!"
"We have phones in Flagstaff."
"No way!," Agnes says. "That's incredible!"
Vulpes grins, "No my lamb, you're incredible."
After dinner, the pair goes to the card tables. Masked servers offer drinks, to which Vulpes declines. Instead he goes to highly polished bar that dominates the center of the room, capturing many eyes besides her own. Agnes spies at least three women sizing him up, a hungry look on each of their faces. A call from the dealer brings her focus back to the cards in her hands. Barely looking at them, she asks for another card resulting in a bust. Making a noise from the back of her throat, Agnes throws the cards down in disgust.
Looking back at the bar, she sees that one woman, a young blonde, is talking to Vulpes. The woman places a gloved hand on his forearm, laughing at something he said. This action irritates Agnes, watching this woman touch him.
Him? she stops herself, feeling uncomfortable with the possessiveness that blossoms in her chest.
Suddenly feeling a bit dry, Agnes motions to a nearby masked server, requesting vodka, neat. She receives her drink the same time Vulpes comes back to the table.
"You know," he says, snatching the delivered drink from her hand. "You shouldn't drink what you haven't watched poured."
Agnes takes the glass that he brought, "I didn't watch this glass."
Vulpes smirks, "Do you trust me?"
Agnes smirks back, "Not as far as I can throw you."
Vulpes smiles, clinking his glass against hers, "To Us."
Agnes and Vulpes work well together at the card tables, soon amassing a small fortune.
"These games have got to be rigged," she whispers in Vulpes ear. "I've never won so much at one time."
Vulpes simply smirks.
As the night goes on, they move to the lounge. They dance amongst the other couples, gently swaying as a beautiful lady with a rose in her hair sings songs from long ago.
"I'm a fool to want you," she croons.
"I'm a fool to want you, To want a love that can't be true, A love that's there for others too"
Agnes lays her head against Vulpes shoulder listening to Rose sing.
"I know it's wrong, it must be wrong, But right or wrong I can't get along, Without you."
The closing lyrics bring a chill to her as Rose finishes the song. The room erupts in applause as the band begins a more upbeat tune.
"How lucky can one guy be, I kissed her and she kissed me, Like the fella once said, Ain't that a kick in the head?," Rose sings with a sultry smile.
Vulpes smiles, leading her off the floor and back to their small table. He orders another round of drinks.
They stay until the early hours, drinking, dancing and laughing. Rose announces the final song of the evening.
"Fly me to the moon, Let me play among the stars," she begins enthusiastically. "And let me see what spring is like, On a-Jupiter and Mars."
Agnes chuckles, bringing Vulpes attention to her.
"I know where that's at," she says to his inquisitive glance, proceeding to tell him about the solar system she found in the REPCONN Headquarters, just outside of New Vegas. The thought of REPCONN also brings up another memory, one of the Testing Facility and space traveling Ghouls. Agnes gives a brief thought about Jason Bright and his followers.
Vulpes grins at Agnes, his gaze a bit dull from all the drinks.
"Come lamb, let us return to our room."
...
Vulpes kisses her as soon as the elevator doors shut, his hands eagerly moving over her body. She kisses him back, letting herself run on auto pilot, her mind pleasantly numb. He pushes her into a corner before lifting her up. Agnes wraps her legs around him, her short dress now bunched around her waist as his hands knead her ass. Much to their surprise, the elevator dings as the doors open, another couple entering the small space. Vulpes drops her, pushing Agnes behind him as she quickly pulls down her dress. She giggles against his back while Vulpes offers an apology to the older couple. The elevator dings once again as it arrives in their floor. Vulpes quickly pulls Agnes out into the hall, laughing as they make their escape.
The door is barely closed when Vulpes pounces, quickly picking up where they left off in the elevator. His eyes shine brightly as he kisses her neck, his hands roaming down her sides. Agnes links her arms around his neck, pulling him close. Vulpes picks her, carrying her to the bed as they kiss. He kneels on the bed placing Agnes on her back. His hand runs down her side, stopping to stroke her bared hip. Agnes breaks the kiss, only to have Vulpes latch onto her neck. She holds onto him as he works his way up her throat, pressing soft kisses to the underside of her jawline. Tilting her head further back, he bites at her tender throat while palming her breast thru her dress. Agnes gives a soft moan at the sensation, arching her back, pressing herself against him. Vulpes responds in kind before breaking away for a brief moment.
He clicks off the bedside lamps, plunging the room into darkness. Hearing him undress, Agnes is quick to remove her clothing as well, throwing everything on the floor. Feeling him return to bed, she reaches out to him in the dark, finding his bare chest. Vulpes holds still as she runs her hands over him, making an appreciative noise as she feels his lean frame. Agnes makes to run her hands over his back but he stops her, pushing her hands over her head.
"Lay back," he instructs.
Vulpes lay beside her, running his hand down her body until he reaches her warm mound. He slips a finger into her folds, eager to find her wet and slick. Agnes makes a small noise which is quickly silenced by a kiss. His fingers delve into her wetness as he kisses her. Agnes moves to draw him closer but is stopped.
"Keep your arms up," he says.
Agnes gives a small sigh but complies.
"Good girl," Vulpes says, rewarding her by circling her clit with a slick finger. Agnes moans at the sensation as her body quakes. He kisses her intensely as his fingers continue to work her. Her mind melts as she becomes full of want. Casts herself off, she gives in to carnal bliss.
Feeling his fingers alternate between twiddling her clit and dipping into her wet hole.
His breath against her face.
Her own needy moans.
The hunger as they kiss.
The sensations flow and build until she comes with a shudder. Vulpes latches onto her, kissing her deeply as he continues to circle her clit. Agnes' body jumps and twitches as she rides out her orgasm. He continues working her until she pushes his hand from her, the sensation becoming too much.
Vulpes gives a small moan of protest, "Come on. I know you got more."
"I'm ready for more," she breathes, trailing her hand down his arm.
Agnes can feel Vulpes smile as he moves in between her legs. Her excitement grows when he runs his hands down her thighs as she moves to accept him. He lowers himself, covering her til she can feel him against her entrance.
"Tell me," he says against her lips. "Say my name."
"Vulpes," she breathes. "I want you."
They kiss as he pushes into her, Agnes gives a small moans at the sensation. He starts off slowly as she adjusts to him. As the tightness subsides, Vulpes increases his pace. Soon, Agnes is giving breathy cries of delight as his long strokes touch her very core. She begins to feel a spark from deep within, her body trembles in anticipation of another orgasm. Agnes throws her arms around him, pumping her hips in wanton eagerness. Vulpes curses at the sensation, driving himself to the hilt, furiously pumping into her. The crest rises higher and higher until it crashes over her. Agnes comes, her cries muffed by Vulpes' mouth as he kisses her passionately. He follows her over the edge moments later, coming within her.
Awash in the afterglow, Agnes vaguely listens as Vulpes speaks softly in Latin. Whatever Vulpes is saying sounds melodious. He could be reciting a recipe for Brahmin stew for all she cared.
"That sounds pretty," she says.
Vulpes grins against her ear. "Did you understand what I said?"
"Very little," she admits.
"We'll just have to work on that," Vulpes says with a slightly smile.
...
Agnes awakes to breakfast being delivered to the room.
Honey cakes, scrambled eggs, and some sort of sausage grace the large platter. The smell of fresh coffee wafts through the suite. Vulpes fixes her a plate full of eggs and meat, setting it before her before fixing a plate of food for himself. Agnes makes each of them a cup of coffee before settling in for breakfast.
Vulpes sets a tall, gold rimmed glass before her.
"Drink," he commands.
Agnes is curious as she takes a sip of the clear liquid. Ice cold water fills her mouth. She makes a pleased sound and takes a larger drink. The water is very refreshing. Vulpes reaches across the small table and takes the glass from her, downing the rest in one gulp.
They eat until all that remains is the stack of Honey Cakes.
Vulpes grins at her mischievously.
"Come here, Wife," he calls, pushing himself away from the table, patting his lap.
Agnes sits delicately on him only to have Vulpes pull her closer, close enough to nuzzle her neck. She squirms in his arms giggling. He feeds her a Honey cake, kissing away the sweet syrup that remains on her lips. Vulpes gives a bright smile, matching the gleam in his eyes. Agnes returns the favor, feeding him a Honey cake. He nips at her fingers as he takes the last bite of cake from her.
Dipping his fingers in the syrup, Vulpes smears it onto one of her pert nipples. Agnes gasps as he twirls his tongue around the nipple, sucking the syrup away. He smirks at the low moan she gives as she runs her hand over his dark hair. Agnes leans back, a needy and wanton look on her face.
"Husband, I need you," she says with soft lips.
Vulpes raises, carrying Agnes and the small pitcher of syrup back to bed.
...
Their business was not concluded in New Vegas, there was still one more important task.
"Wanna come up?," Agnes asks as they stand before the towering structure.
"Love too," he accepts.
...
"Is this your room?," Vulpes asks from the hallway.
"The one in the middle is mine and the one on the end was Boone's."
"That dog stayed here with you?," Vulpes snarks.
"Rex was the dog," Agnes corrects, fully knowing what Vulpes was saying.
She smiles hearing his loud scoff.
"Only for a moment," Agnes explains. "New Vegas reminded him too much of his wife. He met her at Gomorrah."
"I wonder if she was a regular whore or a fancy whore?," Vulpes calls witha chuckle.
"I don't know," she says firmly. "I stayed here mostly by myself, until I received that wonderful invitation to get reacquainted with my roots."
The lack of response from Vulpes causes Agnes to tip toe out into the large hallway. She finds Vulpes going thru her room.
"Find anything good?," she asks from the doorway.
"Not yet," he replies breezily.
Agnes snorts in amusement, "You know I haven't been here in months." She counts her fingers,"Damn, almost a year! When I got jumped, those Khan assholes literally stole all my stuff. "
Agnes gestures to the room, "This place came fully furnished. Hell, Mr. House even provided the clothes on my back."
Vulpes stops snooping enough to give her a unreadable look.
"And yet here we are," he says dryly.
They regard each other for a moment before Vulpes speaks.
"Shouldn't there be another task you should be looking into?"
Agnes breaks into a wide grin,"As you wish, Husband. "
...
Agnes comes down about an hour later, only to find Vulpes resting on her bed.
"This is a nice bed," he remarks when she enters the room.
"That it is," Agnes remarks. "Its the best bed in the entire Mojave. You know why?"
Vulpes gives a grin, "I'm sure you are about to tell me."
"Because its my bed," she smirks, laying down next to him. "Nothing like laying in your own bed."
Agnes sighs, running her hands over the soft sheets. "This feels like heaven after laying on the wore out mattress at the Boomers. And before that, laying on the dirt at the Fort was just beastly. I don't see how you men can live like that."
"You don't have a cot?," Vulpes asks.
"No," Agnes says. "I was never given one. I tried to ask someone once but the look he gave me was just...so I just sleep on a mat on the ground. That trader was able to get me some thick padding and some carpets so that helped out a lot."
Vulpes makes an unhappy noise.
"Remind me when we get back and I'll make sure it happens."
"Thank you," she grins.
Vulpes snakes a hand over her waist as he props himself up.
"You know, this is quite a nice bed," he says, leaning over to kiss her.
...
They stop in the dusty lobby of the Lucky 38, Vulpes holds out his hand, palm up. Without a second thought, Agnes places her hand into Vulpes' outstretched hand. He gives her a strange look before smoothly taking the golden band off her ring finger.
"Oh," Agnes stammers, blushing furiously.
Vulpes gives her a toothy smirk before laughing.
A brief pain springs across her chest at his chuckle. He was laughing at her. The nerve! Agnes hardens her features, pulling her hand from his grasp. Vulpes grabs her hand, holding it tightly. She opens her mouth to object when he unexpectedly kisses her knuckles.
"I meant no offense," he grins.
...
"I need to stop by the Followers," Agnes says as they walk down the wide steps.
"Why?"
Agnes gives him a long stare, "Personal reasons."
"Do you not trust me any more?," he counters.
Agnes heaves a long sigh, "Its nothing like that. Its just..."
Vulpes waits expectantly, eyebrows raised.
"Fine," she says. "I need a preventative thing."
"Preventative thing? Is that the official term?"
Agnes grunts, "You're not going to made this easy are you?"
"Have I ever?," he smirks.
"You're such an ass," she mutters under her breath.
"It's to prevent pregnancy. As I stated before, the last thing I need is a baby."
Vulpes gives her a unreadable look, wiping his thumb across his bottom lip.
"Okay," he says.
"Okay?," she echoes.
When Vulpes nods his head, Agnes let's go a breath she wasn't aware she was even holding. This was a surprising turn of events, she was prepared for a fight.
"Alright," Agnes says brightly,"Let's go!"
...
Agnes makes a face as she downs the first dose of the homemade potion.
"Ach!," she exclaims. "That is horrible!"
"Better than a baby," the blond doctor responds. He leans closer to Agnes. "Is your partner gonna be okay? He looks like he wants to kill something."
Agnes peers outside the tent. Sure enough, Vulpes was regarding everyone with a mean glare. The guards at the gate were watching him carefully.
"He'll be fine," she dismisses, waving her hand.
"If you say so," the doctor says, handing her two other vials of light brown liquid. "Take one a day for the next two days, preferably with food."
"Oh," the doctor says, " Be careful with Stimpacks. They can counteract the intended effects of the potions."
"Got it," Agnes laughs. "Stay outta trouble."
They share a laugh as Agnes pulls out a small leather pouch.
"I trust this will be enough," she says slyly as she places the coins in the doctor's hand.
"This is too much!," the doctor stammers at the five golden coins.
"Call it a donation then," Agnes remarks as she strides out the tent.
...
"So this is it?," Vulpes muses, holding the vial up to the sun.
The sunlight shines through the thin brown liquid, reminding Agnes of watered down Sarsaparilla. If only it could taste that good, she muses.
"That it is," Agnes responses watching him closely.
It still surprised her that Vulpes had allowed her to even obtain the potions from the Followers. Truthfully, she figures Vulpes had a trick up his sleeve and is simply biding his time.
"Is a baby really that horrible?," he asks handing the vial back to her.
"It's not but don't take this the wrong way, I don't want to have a baby with you."
"Oh Agnes," Vulpes cries pitifully, "You won't have my child."
He clutches his chest and gives a sad moan, "My heart. It's breaking! Oh Agnes, no!"
Agnes almost falls off her perch from laughing at his antics, watching him collapse onto the desert floor.
"You'll just have to go on without me, I'm done for, my lamb," Vulpes gives in a pathetic voice. "I have lost my will to live, all because you won't have my child."
"Dominus," Agnes giggles. "Get up. I won't be able to take you seriously if you continue on like that."
"Like what," he calls from the ground. "I'm genuinely upset."
"Liar," she teases, earning a toothy grin in response.
Vulpes jumps up from the ground with incredible ease and stalks over to Agnes with a hungry grin.
"So how long are those things good for?," he asks as he runs his hands up her thighs. Agnes opens her legs to allow Vulpes to stand closer.
"I have to take one potion a day," Agnes says.
"My New Vegas Wife," he croons as his hands roam over her body. "So what you are saying is that we could have some fun for two days?"
*Yes, Husband, that is my understanding," she coos back.
Agnes had picked up that Vulpes really did enjoy being called Husband.
Vulpes gives a wolfish grin, "Well then. I think the fun should begin, don't you?"
...
That night, as they sit by the fire, Vulpes questions Agnes again about babies.
"What's so bad about babies?"
"Its not all babies, just Legion babies."
"Legion babies?" he asks.
"All children born of Legion fathers belong to Caesar," she states. "I'd rather not feed my children into the war machine. I want them to be free."
Vulpes scoffs as he jabs the fire.
"Too late. You are one of us now. It's unlikely that Caesar will let you go."
Agnes nods her head, "I figured that may be the case but perhaps he will grant me a boon for my services."
Vulpes jabs the fire a few more times before throwing the stick into the fire.
"Perhaps," he says. "What would you ask for?"
"Freedom, what else?"
Vulpes scoffs again, to which Agnes rolls her eyes.
"What would you ask for, oh great and terrible Vulpes?"
"One of two things," he replies. "My children. I want them all to reside under my roof or my choice in marriage."
"Children or marriage," Agnes repeats.
She gives a giggle, drawing a firm glare from Vulpes.
"I must say, I'm surprised," she says. "Despite your cold, hard, threatening exterior lies the heart of a family man."
Vulpes looks at her like he is contemplating hitting her with something when he suddenly laughs.
"We are not so different," he says smoothly. "We both want the best for our children."
"Hypothetical child," Agnes says, pointing to herself.
"Of course," Vulpes says.
"What would you do if you had to pick a husband?," Vulpes asks on the second night.
Agnes pauses at his question.
"Caesar's will?," she asks.
"Caesar's will," he states.
"I'd suppose I would want the best one I could get," she manages. "One that is clever, strong, not too bad looking, and kind, if that's even possible amongst you Legion men."
Vulpes gives her a wide grin, looking devilish in the firelight.
"Do you know where I could find one?," she cracks with a straight face.
The sour look on Vulpes face is worth the hassle he gives her the following day.
...
The pair stand at the steep hill leading into Legion controlled territory.
"Say Goodbye to the old Mojave, my lamb. The next time we see New Vegas, it will be under the Legion flag," Vulpes announces proudly.
Agnes looks out into the empty desert. Just how many people were going about their lives, struggling to get by in the looming shadow of the coming war. She is brought out of her thoughts by a tender touch to her face.
"I truly will miss our time together," Vulpes says as he gently cradles her face.
"As will I," Agnes says, surprising herself.
Vulpes gives her a true smile that makes her heart sing.