Chapter 5: Waiting pains

Part one: Cait

Cait was miserable. She's been waiting a few days for her companion to return from the glowing sea. She was getting restless. Preston mainly left her alone, but he did greet her when she left the house. "Good morning Cait."

"Mornin handsome. Any word from Nora?" Cait got strait to the point. "Sorry Cait." He looked away. He wasn't scared of her but he knew she could beat him regardless. "That's what I figured. I'm startin to get restless, If she comes looking for me I'll be at the Combat Zone."

"Wait! Do you really want to go back there? We could really use a strong hand around here."

"I ain't the Farmin type. I need a drink and a fight before I begin losing my mind."

"Why don't you go see Piper. I bet she would love some company, with both her friends gone I bet she's having it just as bad."

Cait thought about it.

"There's a bar. The drinks can get pretty strong."

"Alright, you convinced me. I'll be in Diamond City then."

Cait held onto her bag as she walked down the road. "Just as bad Hu? We'll see." A twinge of jealousy hit the back of her head.

Piper ran to the door when she heard a knock, but was disappointed to see Cait. "Oh, hey Cait. What do I owe this pleasure?"

"Come get a drink with me."

"Um? I'm not interested Cait. I have a paper to write."

"I'm not askin you on a date. Just take a brake, it's not like anyone here wants to read your..." Cait bit her lip, knowing she was making it worse. "Sorry Piper, I just need some company, I'll pay for everythin."

Piper placed a hand on her hip and sighed. "Alright, but after I'm done writing. You're welcome to hang around."

"Thanks Piper." Cait walked in and watch the other woman walk up to her room. "Nice place. Ever afraid of fallin?"

"It will take me longer if we chat."

"Fine, fine." Cait looked around and found a small room under Piper's. "You live with someone?" She asked curiously.

"I have a little sister."

"Oh, I didn't know. Cute. I've always wondered what havin a siblin would be like. But..." Cait trailed off as she thought about what her parents had done to her. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone else."

Piper stopped typing with a heavy sigh. "I'm almost done. Weren't you staying in Sanctuary? You must be tired. Take a load off. I've got space to spare."

"I..." Cait smirked before climbing up the stairs. She placed her bag down and fell onto Piper's bed. "Hey! I didn't say you could sleep in my bed." The reporter hissed. "You didn't say I couldn't." Cait smirked. "I'm telling you now, get off my bed." She demanded. "Get off Hu? I might need a little help with that."

"Never gonna happen Cait." Piper pinched the bridge of her nose. Cait softened her smile and stood up. "I was only teasin. I... like someone... and I haven't seen them in awhile."

Looking up, Piper gave a sweet smile. "I get it, but flirting with me is gonna get you nowhere."

The red head ruffled Piper's hair playfully. "Alright, I'll leave you to it." Cait grabbed her stuff and settled herself on the couch downstairs.

"Cait? Cait." Piper called, gently giving her a shake.

"Nora?" She breathed in return, opening her eyes with disappointment.

"Sorry, she's not back yet. But if you still want that drink , I'm available."

"Yes. Of course, lead the way." Cait rubbed her soar shoulder before standing.

The two ladies walked into the Dugout Inn. Piper seemed a bit frazzled as she approached the counter. A man with a thick Russian accent welcomed them. "Ah! Piper good to be seeing you, you want to publish story about my latest ..."

"No Vadim, my friend and I just want a drink. Got anything that won't blind us?" Piper asked, causing Cait to chuckle.

"Hello handsome, I could use somethin strong. Any Suggestions?" (C)

"Bobrov's best. Best moonshine to ever pass lips. Two shots make you pass out on floor, Guaranteed." (V)

"You don't know me very well. Let's give it a try." (C)

"I wouldn't do that." Piper warned.

"I'm a big girl. I can handle myself."

"Alright but I'm not carrying you."

Cait laughed as she took her first shot. It stung the back of her throat, but it wasn't bad. She could already feel its effects. "That is good shite! Piper?"

"Oh no, I'll take a beer. I'd like to walk away if you start getting flirty."

The Man and Cait laughed as he poured her another shot. He handed Piper her preferred drink and took a shot of moonshine himself.

This wasn't the first time Cait filled a bar with laughter. With her flirty nature and tough stomach, she was able to hold down over 5 shots of that moonshine. Vadim was impressed at her level of tolerance. Cait walked away from her new friends for another shot, but Piper cut her off. "I think it's time to lay off the moonshine. I don't care if you drink, but Nora won't forgive me if you don't wake up."

"So what? She left me... so why should she care?"

Cait really didn't mean what she said but Piper got angry regardless. "She left you because she cares! She didn't want you to become a ghoul or something worse. She'll be back." Piper placed a hand on Cait's shoulder before continuing, "Let's slow down, just a little. For her? For me?"

Cait looked into Piper's eyes with a heavy sigh. "Fine, scotch please." She ordered and sunk back into the seat next to Piper, sipping her lighter beverage.

"So is the person you like Nora?" Piper asked curiously, earning an uncomfortable groan from the red head. "We don't have to talk if you don't want to." Piper said smugly. "I'd rather talk about somethin else." Cait slurred her word's. The alcohol was started to take hold of her thoughts. "So you do like her. Is that why you came to see me?" Piper pushed. "Piper, you're cute alright... but talkin about my feelins isn't gonna make me feel any better."

"What does me being cute have anything to do with your feelings?" Piper lifted a brow, pushing her unfinished drink aside. "I... um." Cait laid her head on the table and stared at the wall. "I told you not to drink that moonshine." Piper scolded, as Cait mumbled incomprehensible gibberish. A man made his way over to the two, "Hey Cait, wanna ditch Piper? We could get a room and have a little fun."

Piper scoffed at the man, and was shocked when Cait got up and wobbled into his arms. "What are you sayin handsome? You think you can handle me?" She flirted, poking his nose and leaned close to his chest. "I can't believe I was starting to like you." Piper huffed, downing her last drink. "Now, tell me handsome, do you normally pick up drunk girls?" Cait playfully cooed. "No, of course not baby." He rapped an arm around her as she did the same. "Well I think you're lyin. And by the way, there is nothing wrong with Piper." Cait growled as she tossed the man to the floor. "Cait!" Piper shouted as the residents inside stared to ether join the stranger's side or leave the bar. "It's been too long sense I've had a good fight." Cait smirked, pounding her fist before getting to work.

Part two: Nora

"Be careful. I sense danger ahead." Nick warned as Nora snuck behind some, what she hoped was rocks. They had been fighting ever sense they entered the Glowing Sea. With a huff she thought out loud, "Cait would love it here."

"I wouldn't doubt that. She'd fight a DeathClaw with her bare hands."

The two shared a hearty laugh before the woman burst into a coughing fit. "Nora!? Let's get out of the open. Maybe we can find a safe place to rest."

"No, no resting. I need to get back as soon as possible." She tried to pull herself along as Nick shook his head. "I agree, but getting yourself killed from exhaustion is a factor too."

"But... alright... any Ideas?"

Nick looked over and saw a building sticking up out of the ground. He held Nora up and walked her to it. They went down into some kind of shelter. "Power armor!? Jackpot!" Nora hopped inside. "It looks almost brand new." Nick quoted, running his hand along the metal. "Cait's gonna love it." Nora beamed. "You're giving it to Cait?"

"For tough area's. She complains when I suit up."

Nick chuckled as he went over to the terminal. He started clicking away until the metal door slid open. "Nice, we should be safe here for awhile."

After talking with the children of Atom, Nora and Nick found themselves looking at a nesting DeathClaw in front of a cave. "That must be Virgil's place." Nick looked over her shoulder. "Think we can take it?" Nora asked, gripping her hammer. "Of course! Let's get to it." Nick tried to imitate Cait, making Nora smile. "Please don't do that again."

"Sorry, just trying to cheer you up."

"Appreciated."

They talked to Virgil and got informed on the courser chip. Nora hopped back into the new power armor, noticing the DeathClaw scratch marks. "Dame, you think she'll notice?" Nora joked as they walked. "You could fix it up. You're pretty good at it."

Nora smiled as she looked forward. "How long do you think this teleporter will take?"

"Don't know. But you and Cait will enjoy the treasure hunt."

"Ha! She would love it. Especially if we get into a fight."

"Welcome back General! We've been waiting for your return." Preston welcomed the two back as Nora took a look around. "Where's Cait? I thought she would tackle me by now."

"She was getting restless, so she went to Diamond City."

"Diamond City?" Nora asked, trying to shake off any jealousy. 'She went to see Piper I bet.' "Thank you Preston, I wanted to say hello to Piper anyway. Could you get Sturges to look at this for me? And Maybe fix up this Armor?"

"Sure thing General! Have a safe trip."

"Thanks Preston."

Nick placed a steady hand on Nora's shoulder. "It will be alright. Piper wouldn't do that to you."

"Mm... I'm just happy she's alright."

"You're not fooling anyone."

Nora growled as she picked up her pace.

Nora busting through Diamond City but took a deep breath before knocking on Piper's door. Nora was surprised to see Nat open it. "Oh! Hey Nat. Any Idea where your sister is?" Nora asked sweetly. "The house was empty when I got home. It's been a while, but you should try the Inn. She likes to pick at drunken people's brains."

"Thanks Nat, here." Nora handed the child a few sweets. "Don't forget to share with your sister."

Nick dusted off his hat before talking, "Thanks for that little adventure, but I should really get back to work."

"Thanks Nick. Other then all the radiation, I had a good time."

"Good luck with the girl."

"I plan on it."

Nora started to walk to the Inn but spotted two women stumbling down the walkway. "Aw come on Piper! I can drink some more."

"No no no no no, starting fights is the last straw. All that moonshine is going to get us both into trouble."

"Do you two need a hand?" Nora asked jokingly. "Blue! So good to see you!" Piper beamed. Cait pushed off from Piper's arm and landed into Nora's. She nuzzled herself into her person of comfort. Nora could only smell pure alcohol from the red head. "Cait? Are you drunk?" Nora asked, she didn't think Cait could be this far gone. "She sure is. She was chugging Moonshine like there was no tomorrow." Piper scolded as she regained balance. "She's been mumbling nonsense and picking fights!"

Nora chuckled as she scooped up the red head. "That's sounds like Cait. Mind if we crash at your place. Or maybe I should get a room?"

Piper sighed, "She made too many enemies in there. Come on. I'll set up some sleeping bags."

"Thanks Piper."

"Just try to keep it down. We're in for some nasty Hangovers."

Nora couldn't help but smile as she carried Cait into the small house.

"Fuckin Hell." Cait grumbled as she turned in her sleeping bag. A gentle breath glossed over her nose , causing her eyes to shoot open. "Nora!?" Cait shouted before clinging onto her frazzled hair. "Mm? Cait, go back to sleep." She whined, flipping over herself. "When did you... " each word stung at the back of her head. Nora sat up and rubbed her tired eyes. "Last night. You were pretty far gone."

"Sorry. I just needed somethin to keep my mind off you." Cait's words clung to her breath. Nora hummed and gently pulled Cait closer. "I'm here now, so sleep. I got you." They laid back gently and cuddled close. Noses touched and breath mixed. Cait could see Nora's new scars, and bags under her eyes. Her skin felt rough from the radiation she endured, making Cait fear for her. "You're gonna see a doctor tomorrow, wether you like it or not." Cait softly ordered, rubbing her hand along Nora's arm. "If you say so... now sleep. We'll talk tomorrow."

Warmth filled the tough woman as she happily opened her eyes to a sound sleeping Nora. "It's good to see you Darlin." Cait mumbled softly, leaning in until she eyed a young girl staring from her room. "You're Piper's little sister, right?" Cait asked gently. The young girl huffed, "I am." She walked over the two and headed out the door. When the light hit Cait's eyes, she recoiled back into her sleeping bag. "Morning Cait." Piper called, holding her head in her hands. "Mornin." She replied. "Morning you two." Nora grumbled. "Sorry Nora, did I wake you?" Piper asked. Cait sat up and looked down to see Nora's radiated body. "Shite, you need some rad away Darlin."

"I missed hearing your voice." Nora weakly slid her hand to touch Cait's. While blushing, Cait managed to grab a rad away. Nora's skin began to clear up but it wasn't enough. "You need a doctor. Let's go." Cait stood up and offered her hands, ignoring the headache that lingered.

The Diamond City Doctor was able to fix her right up and afterwards they went up onto the roof of Piper's house and sat together on the metal plates. "Feeling better beautiful?" Cait eyed her love interest. "Beautiful Hu?" Nora smirked, laying down to watch whatever little cloud she could find. "Ya, you heard me. Other then the radiation, how was it? Any cool stories to tell?" Cait smiled genuinely for the first time in a while. "I took down a glowing DeathClaw. That super sledge comes in handy."

"Is that how you got so much radiation poisonin?"

"Are you asking if I ate it?"

"Maybe... you know my dumb arse would have."

Nora couldn't help but laugh, she looked up at Cait to see her red hair glowing in the sunlight. She started to feel a bit nervous for some odd reason. She tried to talk it out, "We also fought so many Rad Scorpions, it was a whole nest. I didn't think we would make it."

"Well I'm glad you did, I probably would have drank myself silly if you didn't."

"So you're blaming me?"

"What? No... Yes... I don't know. You're off fightin DeathClaws and Rad Scorpions, and I basically laid in bed alone for a couple days."

"You came her to hang with Piper."

"To be more accurate, I came here to get a drink. Preston doesn't have a liquor cabinet to raid."

Chuckling was shared between the two. Cait looked down at Nora and saw her eyes sparkling. "Nora?"

"Yes Cait?"

Cait was looking for the right words. "I fought in the Combat Zone for three long years, gettin beat to hell and shootin up psycho... I wanted someone to squeeze the life out of me, hell at times I saw me self starrin down the barrel of me own shot gun... I'm makin a mess of this!" She hid her face in her hand, as droplets fell from her eyes. Nora sat up and pulled the other close, "Take your time. I'm here for you."

"That's what I'm tryin to get at, I was alone, waitin for someone to show me a single scrap of human kindness. And what you did for me at Vault 95... I've realized you mean so much to me, and I refuse to go back to the way things use to be."

Nora turned a slight shade of pink as the red head continued to talk. Her heart started to beat faster, uncontrollably, wanting to know if Cait could hear it.

"Before we met, I'd never let me guard down around anyone, I didn't dare, but with you I feel like I can let you in and see me for everything that I am. For better or for worse "

The pounding was getting louder in Nora's ear, as if Cait's heart was amplifying the sensation. Cait rested her head against Nora's as she took a long pause before confessing.

"I need you to look me in the eyes and tell me you feel something too." She finished off, sacred to look at the other. "Cait, You mean a lot to me." Nora started, gently lifting the other's chin to look at her. "Looking for my son was my main concern."

"I understa...Mm?"

Nora covered Cait's mouth with a finger. "But I do have feelings for you, and I hope you'll stay by my side. Especially if..." Nora leaned in and pressed their heads together. "Especially if all this work leaves me at a dead end. I may not be good company then, but..."

"Don't fret Darlin, I won't abandon you. You mean the world to me, Treasure."

With a small hum, Nora slowly pressed her lips onto Cait's. The muscular woman crawled on top, wrapping her arms longingly around Nora's neck. She had never felt this close to anyone, even when she did sexual favors she didn't feel this kind of excitement. As for Nora, she felt electricity run down her spine. She hadn't felt loved in so long. Over 200 years had gone by, and her body craved the attention.

"Cait?" Nora mumbled as the red head trailed light kisses along her neck. "Yes Lover?" Cait breathed, panting lightly. "I want you, badly, but maybe when we're not baking on a metal roof."

"Why? Not hungry enough for a Cait steak?" She teased, leaving a light kiss on Nora's flushed cheek. "I like mine raw~ and full of flavor." Nora growled with a playful nip at the neck, leaving Cait hot and bothered for the rest of that morning.