Chapter 16, Date Night
Ok everything should be up to date, but if I forgot anything, let me know. Yes, some chapters were combined as I felt their lengths were too short compared to other chapters and pace wise, it would be better if they were together. I'm a perfectionist and always want my work to best reflect who I am. If anyone is concerned that this is over, it's far from it. I have at least many chapters planned and I may have to slow down due to my wrapping up college and getting ready for my career. But believe me, I won't abandon this.
"I'm glad this is over," I said, walking past the gates.
"Yeah," Elizabeth responded.
We looked out in the distance and saw the NCR leaving and the Securitrons watching over them as they left. We were in the first steps of a new age for New Vegas. Let's hope we can keep Mr. House on track.
"So, now what," Elizabeth asked.
"Well, I imagine we don't have to really report to Mr. House for a bit. He's probably going to do whatever he has to do next. So, we could spend some time enjoying more of what New Vegas has to offer," I replied.
"What comes to your mind?"
"I don't know, we could spend some time at the casinos, enjoying the celebration people are having with being independent," I answered.
Elizabeth turned to face me, "You mean like a date?"
I turned red. This is it. I have to say the right thing or i'll maybe find a way to fuck this up somehow.
I scratched the back of my head, "Yeah... maybe. If that's what you would want to call it.
Elizabeth smiled, "Then it's a date. I know the perfect outfit."
"Really, what is it?"
She giggled, "You'll have to see."
I guess I will. Well at least I took Veronica's advice and kind of asked. Let's hope I can make this date go well.
We continued our way back to the Dam entrance when caught sight of the rest of the NCR packing up and getting ready to go. Most of them look discouraged and I even saw one give me quite a dirty look. I shot him a look back, but my helmet prevented him from seeing it.
I can't blame them for reacting to how we forced them out. Sure trading will still be an option with them and NCR citizens can still come into New Vegas, but Kimball is not going to be happy that they lost most of the Mojave to the one person they didn't want to. Part of me is saddened a bit underneath just because I spent some time with the NCR and helped them with not just preventing to assassinate their President, but also how I helped get Primm back to a safe and stable city. Now with the NCR gone, they are gonna lose their protection, unless we can get some Securitrons there to defend it. The other half of me is glad they're leaving just because of how spread out and unorganized they were. It was clear it wasn't going to work and their recruitment numbers were not on the up. So, it was only a matter of time until they were going to be slowly picked off by the Legion. Next time they should build up their forces more or just focus on certain areas and then slowly build their army to then be able to spread out evenly. Hopefully, they can realize this one day.
"Well hello pardner. Fine job you both did today. No doubt you both are tired from all this action today ," I hear Victor from behind me say.
I turned around to face him, "Hello Victor. Yeah we could use a break tonight. Is the Strip celebrating tonight?"
"Most certainly. I hear talks of mass celebration not just here, but in other parts of New Vegas even among your Boomer friends."
"That's great to hear. Is Mr. House going to need us this evening or tomorrow," I asked.
"Not to my knowledge. He's getting ready to make preparations for his future for New Vegas. I'll be sure to let you know when he needs you."
"Alright. When you're ready, can we have a ride back to the Strip?"
"Of course, let me get another Securitron here for your lady friend. I can't carry both of you back," he replies.
It wouldn't be too long until we saw another Secutrion roll in, ready for our departure. Elizabeth and I sat down in their arms and they began to drive us back. As I heard the wind blow against my helmet, I took a quick look to my right to see Elizabeth with her hair flowing in the wind and a bright smile on her face, similar to the one I saw when she was dancing with the Boomers. I could make a couple of guesses as to what was on her mind, but I hope one of them was looking forward to what the evening could have on with our date.
It wouldn't be long till we finally reached back to the Strip and the sun had started to fall over the horizon, casting a shadow around. As the Securitrons set us down in front of the Lucky 38 and rolled away, I could see that everyone was racing around, getting banners setup, deciding what outfits to wear, and people even counting their caps to make sure they had enough to gamble tonight. This was going to be quite the night tonight. Probably busier than I have ever seen it on the Strip.
"Well, I'm going to get myself ready," I hear Elizabeth say.
I shake back to reality, "Ok. I'll see if I can find a suit somewhere."
Elizabeth walked into the Lucky 38, while I began my hunt for a suit.
I walked around for a bit, avoiding the forming crowds as much as I could. I took notice of a giant, bright sign listing different shows at the Tops in an area called the Aces Theater that had a list of performances and recitals. That might be a great place to go to. It wouldn't be long till I found someone had set up a stand with a bright sign saying, "Fancy Attire here! Don't Go Out Celebrating Tonight without one!" Upon inspection, he had elegant dresses, tuxedos, suits, ties, even suede jackets.
"Come one, come all," he exclaims, "Don't miss a stylish outfit for one of the biggest celebrations in New Vegas. I got all kinds of sizes here folks!"
I walked up to him, "Hello, can I see what you have?"
"Of course," he replies, "We got all kinds of styles here. Take a look and see what strikes your fancy!"
I shuffled through and saw all kinds of styles. Blue, red, green, even pink jackets and pants with all kinds of standard, but also strange and wacky styled ties. I finally settled on a normal black suit and pants with a Black Golden Striped Necktie. I also grabbed a short sleeved, buttoned up white shirt to complement them. I'm not wearing a long sleeve especially with how hot it could get here.
"Ok I got my choices here," I state, holding them up.
"Ok, let me see if the measurements will fit yours," he replies with a soft tape in his hand.
I set the clothes on a table nearby as he takes my measurements. Once he is done, he checks the tags of the clothes and grabs the suit jacket and pants.
"These are a bit too small. Let me see if I can get them a bit bigger."
He walks to his drawers behind him, rummaging around for a few moments before finding the right size and hands them to me.
"Do you want any dress shoes and socks with them by any chance," he asks.
Oh right. I forgot about that part of the fancy attire.
"Yeah, what do you have," I asked.
"Well we got a ton, but I think these will pair nicely with this suit."
He goes back to behind his stand and rummages around until he finds a pair of pointed, glossy black dress shoes with laces.
"These I think will go very nicely with this suit," he states as he hands me the shoes.
"Ok, how much do I owe you?"
"150 caps."
I hand him the clothes and unsheathe my backpack to get the caps. Once I counted the right ones, I handed them to him. We exchange them as he counts the caps.
"Alright looks like it's all here. Enjoy! By any chance are you going out with a woman tonight?"
I bit my lip, "Yes as a matter of fact."
"Well good luck tonight and make sure you have fresh breath. That's one of the worst ways to ruin a first kiss."
I started to turn red and subtly shake. That never had occurred to me about getting a breath mint. I think I had some spearmint gum in my room somewhere. PIcked it up a while ago but it might come in handy now.
"Thank you. I believe I have some mint flavored gum I can get at home."
"Alright. Take care now," he replies as he gets back into position to call for more customers.
I turned around to make my way back to the Lucky 38. Though I was still shaking from what he said. I'm really nervous for this date. I've never been on one and I don't want to fuck this up in anyway. Who knows when I'll get another chance. Knowing the Wasteland, tomorrow could be my last day. I'm trying to get a hold of myself, but I don't know how to stop shaking and stop turning red.
I opened the doors and made my way to the elevator. Still shaking, I pressed the button to take me up to the Presidential Suite. Maybe we should cancel. I'm not up to this and I'm starting to feel sick to my stomach. I shouldn't have asked in the first damn place. Or rather I shouldn't have hinted at it or even taken Veronica's advice. Before I could continue, the elevator dinged and the doors opened. I stepped out what felt like miles away from me as I got into the room.
"Did you find an outfit," I hear her ask.
"Yeah…I got it here, ready to change," I replied.
"Ok, I'm finishing up the touches on mine if you want to wait a bit."
I can't go through with this. I've fought Super Mutants 20 feet tall, Radscorpions, Raiders, and even Deathclaws. But this. This is more stressful than anything I've ever done. I'd rather fight all of them at once right now.
When Elizabeth came out, my mouth was wide open. She looked exactly like she did in the painting I had gotten in the package. Her hair was neatly combed, her lips were bright red with lipstick, she had the red handkerchief around her neck collar with the Bird Pendant, the same white buttoned shirt that hugged her body and with the blue cuffs at the end of the shirt. I didn't see the dress fully in the painting, but it was knee high with a red belt, black stockings, and black high heels. In short, she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
"I was honestly surprised Mr. House had a near exact replica of this outfit. You got your outfit, " I hear her ask, spinning around to show off her outfit.
I closed my mouth, "Yeah… let me get it on."
I walked quickly into my room and closed the door hard, making a loud noise. Oh great. That wasn't suspicious at all.
I set the clothes on the bed, took a breath, and started to undress to put it on. Once I had everything on, I took the tie and looked in the mirror on the cabinet to tie it. I felt my fingers shaking, trying to tie it correctly as I kept messing it up. I've tied a tie before. My Dad taught me whenever we had a funeral or a wedding in the vault. But I couldn't remember how to tie it right. After a few failed attempts, I finally tied it right. I adjusted it and remembered the gum. I went into the night stand, dug out the gum, and put it in my suit pocket. Just in case if it somehow goes that route. Doubt it, but in my experience, anything can happen in life at the spur of the moment.
I walked out and saw Elizabeth leaning against the wall near the elevator.
"You look great. Don't forget your hair," she says, pointing to my hair.
"Right. That's next," I reply as I make my way into the bathroom.
I closed the door and grabbed the comb to neatly style it. I then noticed in the mirror my beard starting to form. Throughout all this time, I forgot to spend some time shaving. I grabbed a razor from the cabinet, took some shaving cream, and started to shave it off. I then grabbed some deodorant and applied it under my arms. I took a breath. This is it. No turning back.
I walked out of the bathroom and walked to the elevator. Elizabeth smiled and pressed the button. We both entered the elevator and I adjusted my suit tie. As long as I'm calm, I'm sure everything will be ok. I hope so. The ding of the elevator doors interrupted my thinking any further and we headed out. Once we got outside, I could hear Elizabeth's heels walking with a clunk every time she moved forward while my shoes made the same noise as my boots always did. The Strip was already lit up with many celebrating that Mr. House had won the battle and people were running around, ready to celebrate the victory we had achieved. I could hear cheers, shouting, and people singing and celebrating all around us.
"So, where do you want to go first," I hear Elizabeth ask.
"Well, I'll follow your lead. There's lots to do right now."
"Are there any theater shows," she asks.
"I think the Tops has a theater. I saw an advertisement earlier about it," I responded.
Elizabeth looked at me with a puzzled look, "The Tops? Are you sure that's a good idea after what we pulled there?"
"I'm sure we'll be fine. I doubt Benny's guards are still there. They weren't the brightest bunch."
"Ok. Lead the way."
We made our way to the Tops and the place was packed with people trying to get in. While we were waiting, I quickly took out a piece of gum and placed it in my mouth. As I was chewing the gum, I could taste and feel the spearmint filling my mouth. I hope that that concession guy is right about this. After at least ten minutes, we finally got in. As soon as we entered, I could see that all the dining tables were full to even the poker tables full with lines starting to form of people waiting to get ready to place their bets.
"Shit this is really packed," I stated.
I saw signs pointing to the direction of where the Aces Theater was up the stairs.
I touched Elizabeth's shoulder, "Aces Theater is this way."
She smiled and walked forward, following the signs.
We went up the stairs and were met with the bright, neon lights of the words "Aces Theater" with cards behind them on top of the door. I opened the doors and was greeted with a giant crowd. Purple cushioned chairs were littered around the place in front of a large, light blue curtain with the same sign from the door up above it. People were taking their seats and I guided Elizabeth to an empty table and we took our seats.
After a couple of minutes, the lights started to dim and the first performance began. The first performance was titled, "The RAD Pack Song and Dance Revue" where it was people doing multiple dance recitals and dancing along to fast jazz style music. I took notice that Elizabeth was moving her legs around to music and even her shoulders. I guess her inner jazz was wanting to come out and dance. I'm sure an opportunity will present itself at some point for her.
The next act came on and it was Singing Sensation, Bruce Isaac. I recognize that name. I stopped at the Shark Club around a year ago in New Reno and saw him perform. I forgot what song he sang at the club, but he had the whole crowd cheering for him. He was African American, had a black suit and white shirt that had a rope tied around the color with a pendant in the middle. I couldn't get a good look at what it said from down in the audience.
He stood up to the microphone, "Hello Folks. Tonight I will be bringing you a really special song called 'Cobwebs and Rainbows' "
The crowd applauded and once they stopped, he started to sing. The song was very slow and more blue jazz with a piano in the background playing along to his singing. Once he finished, the crow applauded and he took a bow.
As he headed off stage, one more person came up with a chair and guitar. He had a handlebar mustache with a cowboy hat on. On that note, he was even dressed similar to a cowboy with his gray trench coat and fingerless gloves that went up to the middle of his arm.
"Howdy folks. I go by the Lonesome Drifter. Tonight I bring you a song that is dear to my heart called 'Home on the Wastes'"
He took a seat and started to strum the guitar. The song was very country in how it played. It was faster compared to the previous song, but it was not too fast. Just the right amount of speed to make you feel you could follow along. As he concluded, the crowd applauded and Elizabeth even stood up to applaud. As she took her seat, I asked, "Is that your kind of music?"
She turned to face me, "Yeah it kind of spoke to me. The lyrics remind me of the journey we've had together from Radscorpions to the Ghouls and Mole Rats we've fought."
I paused, "Huh. It didn't occur to me to think of it like that."
"Well that's because you need to use your head more Evan," she replies, tapping my forehead with her finger.
I smiled. Guess she's right. I really should pay attention to lyrics in songs more often. I just usually listen to whatever's on the radio and what sounds catchy at the moment. Never really think of the lyrics and the deep meaning they have.
"Well, I could use a teacher to learn how to notice the deeper meanings in songs," I answer.
"It's easy. After tonight, I'll teach you how to open your mind to it."
We smiled at each other for a moment and before I could reply, I heard a Securitron behind us.
"Mr. House has allowed for fireworks to be fired near the Strip. Fireworks will commence in approximately 10 minutes," he states.
"Where do you want to go and watch them," I hear Elizabeth ask.
"The roof of here might be the best place," I reply.
"Let's get to the elevator and make our way to the roof so we don't miss it."
We quickly made our way to the elevator to be met with a group of people outside, waiting for it to return. Once we heard the ding of its return, we all entered, slightly cramped together like a can of beans with Elizabeth pushed close to me. We waited for a few minutes, until we reached the top of the building. As we all started to make our way out, I could see the layout of the place. There were tons of tables setup with chairs and a bar setup in the center of the roof. I noticed at the corner of my eye to my left, an empty rectangle table, overlooking the Strip with a booth behind it. That is a perfect place to sit down and watch the fireworks go off. I'm surprised no one has taken it.
I tap Elizabeth on the middle of her back, "Hey lets take that table over there."
She nodded and walked ahead.
As we walked, I noticed a trashcan to my right and quickly spat out my gum in it. Hopefully, I don't need that anymore.
Elizabeth takes her seat on the left side of the booth while I take the right.
"Alright. Any minute they should start going off," I declared.
"Hopefully not too long. I'm not the biggest fan of heights," She replies.
I adjusted myself and made sure my tie was straight. I ran my fingers through my hair to make sure it was still in good condition.
"Can I get you both something," I hear a man ask.
Elizabeth and I turned around to face him. He wore a white buttoned up shirt with a bowtie and red vest. His skin was hispanic in color and he had short black hair with green eyes to complement it.
"I'm good," I replied.
"Do you happen to have some wine," Elizabeth asked.
"Yes we have some in stock. Do you have a preference?"
"Not really. Surprise us," she answers.
"Certainly. I'll be back," he responds, as he walks away.
I hear the fireworks go off in the distance, catching both Elizabeth and I's attention.
We saw the bright colors of red, gold, and white shining exploding across the darkened sky, painting it like a brush quickly smacked across a canvas. I saw different kinds of patterns in the sky like poker chips, skulls, jewels, and even gold bars. I haven't really seen much fireworks in my life, but these were truly a spectacle to behold.
"Evan," I hear Elizabeth say after a few minutes.
I turned to face her, her blue eyes staring at me. She sighed, "The last week or so I have spent with you… has been the best of my life."
"Really? Even with how the world is," I asked.
"Yes. When I was growing up, I had no friends whatsoever except a pet named Songbird. Then my father, Booker, came in and for a few days, I had a real true friend even if I didn't know he was my father yet. But when he died, I felt… I wouldn't find a friend like Booker again. Even when I first met you, I tried to believe you were like Booker and tried to act the same way I did with him more or less."
I sat there, taking in what she just said. Then I decided to ask, "What made you change your mind?"
Another firework went off and caught Elizabeth's attention for a few seconds. But she continued, while staring at the fireworks going off.
"Well, I realized… you were never going to be Booker. No matter how hard I tried to make it be. He was more gruff, closed off, and not much of a talker."
"What do you see me as," I asked, puzzled by what she meant.
She turned back to face me. With her hand resting on my knee, "Someone I'm in love with."
I felt time slow down really fast. I saw Elizabeth getting closer to me, still staring at me with her eyes. I started to feel my face getting hot, hotter and probably redder than it has ever been in my entire life. She closed her eyes and before I could process anything further, leaned in and pressed her lips against mine, forcing me to close my eyes. I felt like everything was frozen around us. The fireworks and the noise they made, faded away into the background. Like nothing had mattered except the two of us kissing. Her lips felt incredibly soft and then with the hand she rested on my knee, she put it around my neck. The other hand joined in on the other side, pulling me in more. I felt my arm go around her waist, only embracing her further. She then started to move her lips more and I felt mine respond the same way. After a minute that felt like two, we pulled away and I opened my eyes. I saw that her face looked incredibly red, probably as red as mine was. She opened her eyes, and just smiled at me. I responded with a smile as well.
"That was… incredible," She says, breathless.
"Yeah… that was…amazing," I replied, also exhaling a breath.
Another firework went off and we both turned to look. As it started to settle and another one went off, I felt Elizabeth rest her head on my shoulder and I felt my body respond by putting my left arm around her waist, pulling her next to me.
"Thank you Evan," I hear her whisper to me.
"Of course," I replied.
I felt the anxiety in me wash away as we embraced each other and continued to watch the fireworks in silence. I've got so many emotions flowing through me right now, but one of them I feel is relief. I'm glad I officially know Elizabeth feels the same way I do about her.
I noticed that there was a wine bottle and two glasses on our table, waiting for us. The waiter must have placed it for us while we were kissing. Least he was nice enough to not interrupt us.
Elizabeth raised her head off my shoulder, "Oh nice. He brought the wine."
She reaches for the wine bottle and grabs the corkscrew next to it. She twisted the cork off and started to pour in both of the glasses. She set the bottle down and grabbed her glass. I also grabbed mine and we raised it.
"To a better future," I asked.
"To a better future," she repeats, clinking my glass against mine.
We both took a sip at the same time and I was met with the potent taste of the wine. I'm not much of a drinker, but this wine was fine for what it was. It was bitter, but it had a bit of sweetness to it. I could definitely go for a bit more.
After a few minutes of refilling our glasses and drinking, we finally finished the bottle and I let out a huge burp.
"Excuse me, " I state, covering my mouth.
"It's not polite to burp that loudly in front of a lady," she replies, with a smile.
I smiled back. Then, she let out a huge burp. She covered her mouth, slightly red with embarrassment. We continued to look at each other and then we both burst out laughing. After we finished laughing, I felt a bit buzzed. I think we both were starting to get a bit drunk. I took notice of the fireworks starting to die down.
"What else do you want to do tonight,'' I asked.
Elizabeth paused, "Well, let's see if we can do some dancing. I'm feeling in the mood for it."
I helped her up, "Yeah, there might be some dancing out on the street."
I left ten caps for the wine and we made our way to the elevator. As the elevator went down, I felt Elizabeth grabbing my hand. It felt soft to touch and I embraced it. I haven't held a woman's hand really at all in my life. Could have been close with Amata. As the doors opened, I felt Elizabeth tug my hand forward and I followed her pulling forward to the exit. Once we got outside,I saw something catch my eye. I could see at the end of the road, there was a crowd of people dancing to music.
"There we go," I hear Elizabeth exclaim.
I felt her tug on my hand even more as she raced over to where the people were. As we got closer, I could hear faster paced jazz music playing and seeing how fast people were moving with each other. Some by themselves, others with their girlfriends or boyfriends. Once we got in, Elizabeth took my other hand and we started to dance.
"Let's see if you step on my feet this time," she stated.
"Well, I think I'll keep up better this time," I replied, with a smile.
We danced at a pace similar to how we danced with the Boomers, but this time it felt different. I'm not sure, but it felt much more open or free. Not only do we know how we feel about each other, but with the Battle of Hoover Dam done and New Vegas's future looking only bright from here, I feel one of the hardest parts of our lives is done. I feel things are only going to get better from here. Maybe it's time for not only Elizabeth to heal from her past, but maybe met too. God knows I need to. Never felt like it was the right time until now. Here with Elizabeth at this moment, dancing to the music of New Vegas.
I lost track of time, but judging by the feel of sweat trickling down my head, we definitely had danced for a while.
I let go of Elizabeth's hands, "I'm up for a break, how about you?"
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I lost track of time and forgot we might need a break."
We walked out of the circle and made our way to a bench to rest.
I sat down, "I guess we were having so much fun, we forgot to rest."
"Definitely. Honestly, I think I got my dance fever out of me, how about you?"
"Yeah. I think I got it out of me as well. You want to head back, close the evening," I announced.
Elizabeth tucked some hair behind her ear, "Yep. I could settle with going to bed early. After what we had to do today. Unless you want to go to the casinos?"
I smiled. Hard to imagine we literally were fighting a battle a few hours ago. Seems like it was yesterday.
"Nah. Not much of a gambler. Besides, we'd probably be out later and I'd hate to go to bed late."
I got up, extending my hand, "Well, let's get ready for bed."
Elizabeth grabs my hand to pull herself up and continues to hold my hand as we make our way back to the Lucky 38. We went into the elevator and made our way back to the Presidential Suite. Once the doors opened, we entered and an idea sprung into my head.
"Actually. I have something for you," I announced, letting go of her hand.
Elizabeth looked at me with a puzzled look, "What did you get me?"
"Wait here."
I walked into my room and grabbed Maria out of my bag.I put it behind my back and walked back to her.
"You ready," I asked.
"Yes. What is it," she replies with a smile.
I showed her Maria and her puzzle look came back, "Thank you. But, why give me Benny's gun?"
"Well. You need a new gun. Something with a bit more kick. Besides, I think it fits you well even if it is glamorous."
She takes it out of my hand and inspects it for a moment.
"Thank you Evan. It definitely is an upgrade to the small pea shooter I had."
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow," I expressed.
Elizabeth walked up and kissed me on the cheek, '"Yes. I'll see you tomorrow."
She walked away and I rubbed my cheek where she kissed me. Felt nice. All I can really say about it.
I walked back into my room, and started to undress down to my underwear. I hung everything in the closet and sat down on my bed. I grabbed the picture of me and my Dad from the nightstand draw and observed it. I wonder what Dad would have felt about tonight and Elizabeth. I think he would have loved her. And he would've wanted me to be happy and to move forward with her. I would love to and fully put the past behind me, but I can't help it. Dad was the only person I really cared about and losing him, I just felt empty for years. All I did was just wander and keep surviving, trying to find something to want to live for. Never really wanted to stay in one place. Hell, New Vegas was supposed to be temporary, but I enjoyed the job of being a Courier. It paid nice and always had something exciting happen all be it either fighting wasteland critters or meeting a guy who couldn't keep his words straight. But with Elizabeth and how tonight went, maybe I can let go of the past with Dad. I have someone new to care about and that cares about me. Someone who I can rely on and share more about myself one day. And Dad, I think he would want me to move on with her.
I put the picture back in the nightstand, turned off the lights, and got under the covers. I looked at the ceiling ,watching the fan spin as I started to feel my eyelids become heavy, and fell asleep.
