Chapter Three

Authors note: I'm taking a few creative liberties with this chapter and mission, so it'll help it go faster since this missions can be a bit of a bore. And on another note, I am still looking for a beta if anyone is interested.

Also I am still currently looking for a beta to read a few chapters. And someone to bounce ideas off of, and to make sure all characters are acting like themselves.

We left the Prydwen early the next morning, right before dawn. We couldn't request a Vertibird drop because this wasn't an official Brotherhood mission, which meant we were walking. I had wanted to leave the night before but Danse had put an end to my argument by simply stating that I was too injured to do anything more. I hadn't wanted to admit Danse was right, but a good nights rest did help, and thanks to the stimpack Cade gave me, my injuries were no longer an issue. Thankfully the one on the side of my face healed up nicely, Cade said it wouldn't scar, so thank go for the miracle of stimpacks.

Even though Danse knew I was all healed up, he still wanted to avoid most of Cambridge, "Your still injured whether you feel your injuries or not." He said with a tone of finality that I couldn't argue. So we had to go the longer way, which meant more walking, and sleeping on the cold hair ground. Fan-Fucking-Tastic. We opted to take the main road around Cambridge. I thought for sure the road would be filled with Raider check points or the occasional Super Mutant hunting party. Turns out though it was mostly abandoned, minus the ragstag and other wasteland creatures.

"Looks like Rain." I heard Danse say, waking from my thoughts.

I set my gaze towards the sky. Sure enough, the clouds that loomed over head were heavy and dark as they began to knit together. Every so often a spark would strike between them, lightening up the darkening clouds with a bright white light. I quickly glanced down at my pipboy, hoping to find a settlement nearby. The last thing I wanted was damp clothing.

I groaned the nearest spot was-

"We can make it to the Police station before it rains." Danse said as if reading my mind. He threw a look over his shoulder noticing my scowl, "Unless of course you'd like to keep walking."

I shot him a glare and walked past him, emphasizing my stomping as I brushed past him. "Let's go." I grumbled.

It hadn't taken us long to get to the police station, especially with the back route I had found on my first trip here. We avoided most of the hostiles in the area having to fight only a few feral along the way. We managed to make it to the police station just before the stormed picked up in strength. My clothes only getting slightly damped by the time we reached the door.

I had been grateful to get out of the rain, though I wish we could have gone someplace else.

Rhys had greeted us in the doorway. He had been all too eager to catch up with Danse and inform him of his accomplishment on clearing out his latest feral hot spot. I on the other hand got a greeting so brisk I swear I got a cold from it. "Nice to see you too Rhys, "I grumbled as I walked past him.

I made my way over to one of the sleeping bags by the main desk and placed my pack down with a loud thud thus effectively interrupted Rhys. He sent me a darkened glare before returning his attention back to Danse, "Sir, if you don't mind my asking, but where are you and Initiate Gilmore heading?"

Danse gave him a sharp look, "It's Knight Gilmore now." He said and I could distinctly hear a note of pride in his usual military tone. Rhys's head snapped back towards me with a look of utter bewilderment that I couldn't help conceal the grin that slithered on my face. Suck it Rhys! "And we are off to Diamond City to pick up a few of Knight Gilmore's things." Guess he didn't want to tell Rhys the real reason.

Rhys's jaw clenched tightly, obviously trying to contain his anger, so he wouldn't look bad in front of his 'hero'. "I see." He said through clenched teeth. Danse, oblivious as ever didn't seem to notice the anger that seethed out of Rhys. "Well since your heading that easy, I was wondering if you could investigate this location I heard about."

Danse's interest peaked while mine plummeted. He probably had another feral invested underground that needed clearing out. It was always Ferals with that guy, go clear this subway out, or go clear this building out. I felt as if he knew I hated those mission and would purposely give them to me just to spite me. Well now that I'm a Knight and am the same rank as him, he cant order me around anymore. Oh I cant wait to rub it in.

Suddenly staying here wasn't that bad of an idea anymore.

Rhys must have seen the smile on my face for he sent me a glare, with which I returned by sticking my tongue out. Unfortunately Danse decided to pay attention to that and sent me a warning glare before he returned his attention back to the pinched faced Knight. Why was it that only I ever get the warning, how come Rhys never gets the third degree? "And where is that Knight?" Danse asked.

"Well its called Cambridge Polymer Labs. I believe it was used to do research before the great War. I don't know that much about it, other than it might be a useful spot to uncover tech."

Wait.. I heard of that plane, I think Nate had a friend that worked there. Oh what was his name, William, or Willard…I couldn't remember. I never met the guy, but Nate had talked a lot about him. Nate and all the newspaper had said they were working on something important down there. "The lab had a contract with the military before the war." I said before I thought it over.

Both men turned and gave me a look. Rhys was the first to speak, his voice dripping with suspicious and malice, "And how would you know that, knight." He spat.

Shit, me and my big mouth. "I read it old newspaper I found. "I said, I even had the clipping and about a dozen more of them back in Sanctuary. The paper had came out a week before the bombs, and I had remember Nate who had been so proud of his friend, he had scurried around Boston and Cambridge to get as many of the newspapers as possible. He had planned to tape them all to Will's wall to surprise him. "I think they were working on a new piece of equipment for the military." He didn't know what it was exactly. Will didn't divulge that much information to Nate, and Nate couldn't press. It was all very secretive.

Rhys didn't seem to buy it, but Danse had turned back to him before he could question me further. "Alright we'll investigate."

Rhys saluted him, "Thank you sir, " He gave me one final glare before he ducked out of the main room.

I let out a sigh and stood up, "So, when do we leave?" I asked with a tone of hesitation. I didn't want to get off track, but I knew this would be important for not only the Brotherhood, but for Danse as well. Whatever those scientist were cooking up could help the Brotherhood, so I guess it was worth the pit stop for.

Danse glanced back outside, with a sigh he turned back to me, "Bet your regretting not wearing your power armor." He said with a smug tone.

Danse had insisted that I wear the big metal suit on our journey to Diamond City, but I hadn't the open mind to listen. I wasn't a fan of the giant metal suits, too hulking, too heavy and I couldn't properly sneak or move in one. How Danse managed to walk around with the finesse he had while in one of those I would never know. Must be years upon years of practice. "They may keep you from getting wet " I said shaking my head, "But with all that rain, don't you think it'll rust faster?"

He gave me a pointed look and I couldn't stop the giggle that rose to my lips, "If we want to make it to Diamond city and back before the end of the week we'll have to leave now." Fantastic. I mentally grumbled. "Gear up, we'll depart in five minutes."

I was fucking soaked by the time we made it to the Polymer Lab. My shoes and soaks were wet and my clothes were completely drenched, the vault suit I wore clutch to my body very uncomfortably and the weight of it pulled down on my shoulders. I had tried everything to keep my soaking wet hair in its pony tail and out of my face, but my efforts were in vain, no matter what I tried it just kept coming lose, so I eventually gave up and kept it down.

I was the textbook definition of grumpy while Danse was practically glowing. He was nice and dry thanks to his armor and his stupid looking BOS hood. I shot him a look, "I think I see a bit of rust on you armor."

His eyebrows knitted together, "It wouldn't rust that quickly." He retorted.

I grumbled a reply and pushed the doors open, dust rushed to greet us as the door swung open. I covered my mouth and walked in. The main room laid in horrible disarray, the wasteland having already contaminated it. From what was left of the tattered pieces of marble and furniture that this foyer used to be something grand. Though now, there were holes in the wall, the front desk laid in shambles, and all surfaces had a thick blanket of dust and plaster covering them.

I hadn't realized I had been staring until a robot had flown into my field of vision, thus startling me enough that I lost my footing and fell into Danse. He caught me of course, but that didn't do anything for my ego. My cheeks burned as he helped me stand up right, I hastily turned away from him to hide my flushed face. "Welcome to Cambridge Polymer Labs.". It was a Miss Nanny named molly who had greeted us, "Employment opportunities await in the field of scientific research. Shall we begin your application now?"

I guess somebody hadnt given her the memo that the world ended,, "Sure, why not."

Danse grabbed my shoulder and spun me around to face him. He narrowed his eyes at me, "What are you doing?" He said with an exasperated tone. "Were here to look for tech, not play pretend with robots."

"Well what better way to find tech than to have her show it to us. "I said,, "Not to mention the fact that this Miss Nanny robot is still alive after two hundred years of scavengers, mutants and other nastily things trying to get in, I'd bet we'd waste bullets trying to take her down."

"You mean 'it'. It's a machine, not a person." He drawled out. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, hopefully that would be the worse of what he could say when he met Nick. Doubtfully but one could hope right, "And fine, if your certain I'll trust your judgment."

Now that was surprising. But I didn't question it further, didn't want to press my luck or anything. "Lets begin the interview, due to increased demands for staff in all fields, we have condensed the employment testing accordingly. Question one, do you possess previous experience with Polymer synathsis."

Polymer what now? Okay maybe this wasn't a brilliant idea after all. "Uh, sounds like you need us regardless, so why don't you throw us where you need it."

"Calculating test results, "Molly replied, "I am pleased to offer you both jobs as research assistants!"

To save myself from any further scrutiny from Danse, we had told Molly to just show us where we needed to go. As we walked towards the lab I spared a glanced towards Danse, who did not look happy. His whole face twisted into what looked like a permanent scowl. I would have made some smart ass remark about it, if I had not seen the blue hue that colored underneath his eyes. They looked worse than when I had seen them the night before. He hasn't been sleeping, or at least not well. I felt a pang of concern at the thought. I have to make sure he gets some rest at some point today. No one, not even the invincible Danse could go long without a decent amount of sleep.

I wondered though, we had slept aboard the Prydwen last night, and while most of the places aboard the ship weren't the quietest, he had a whole room to himself to block out the traffic and voices of the ship. So noise couldn't be a factor. And it's not like he had guard duty last night, I would have been assigned to it with him. So if it wasn't those factors, than what was it? I'd have to ask him before my worry confused me. I glanced towards Molly who waited for us at the end of the corridor. Best to wait until it was only the two of us. I'd get more out of him that way, he was getting a bit better at talking about things that were work related.

When we reached the Miss Nanny bot, she said in a pleasant tone as if she was smiling, "Now we do ask that you leave all personal effects locked up in our locker room, and if you would please wear these, "She said as she handed us both lab coats. "I'll be waiting for you at the end of the hall, please join me when you are ready." Molly left not a moment after leaving me with the looming, very annoyed metal man.

"I am not leaving my power armor and weapons here." He said defiantly. "Who knows what's lurking behind those doors."

"Research equipment."

His eyes narrowed at me, the dark circles only adding to his venomous glare. Okay, let's try to not piss of the big guy today. "What's gonna happen to it." I added, "Especially if we take the core with us. We'll just bring our small guns. We don't want to piss off the robot now do we?"

"Machines cant feel emotions." He snapped. Boy was he a short fuse when he didn't get his beauty rest. "And for the record, I don't like this." Despite his grumbling, he had turned towards the locker room, "I also think that this is a terrible idea. "

"Noted," I rolled my eyes and followed after him into the locker room. It wasn't in the best of shape, but it didn't look nearly as bad as the other rooms we had past. Thankfully a row of lockers were still upright, giving us some privacy as we changed. I heard the hiss of his armor as the locks disengaged, and the gears opened. You know, for all the time we've spent together I have never once seen him out of his armor. He wore that thing as if it were a second skin. Even at the police station he refused to get out of it for fear of an unforeseen attack. I felt my pulse quicken all the while thinking how much of a freak I was about being excited to finally see him

out of his armor. I hastily threw on my lab clothes, not bothering to button up the coat and called over to him, once I got his confirmation did I step out.

It took everything in me to not gawk at him. He was tall even without the suit. The suit had him at seven foot, without out it, I assumed he had to be six two. He still towered over my modest five foot eight stature. His height wasn't the only thing that caught my attention. He was well built, the fabric of his lab coat pulled taut over the strong muscles. He left the flaps open, likely because he couldn't button them over his chest. He even removed that dumb BOS hood, revealing thick black hair underneath. I would have thought he'd have it buzzed cut, but no it looked full and wavy and not messed up by the hood.

God, I wanted to run my fingers through it-

And were gonna end that train of thought right there. I thought as I tried to ease the heavy beating of my heart. He drew closer to me, sending and urge to back away, suddenly started by the closeness of him without his armor. I fought back my urge and stood my ground, "Is something the matter Gilmore?"

"Uh, yeah, " I drawled out, geez, him out of his power armor was enough to bring me to a drooling brainless slob. I wonder what he'd looked like underneath the fabric-

Bad! Bad Emery no! "I mean yeah, it's just that I always assumed that you and that power armor were glued together. Never thought you'd actually had skin underneath all that steel." Smooth…

Danse looked to be battling his own discomfort, he gave a quick glance in my direction before his eyes found his rifle which he had left propped up against the locked. "I'm still bringing my rifle with me." And the subject was changed, thank god.

"Of course," I nodded. Come on get a grip over your perverted thoughts Emery! "I plan on only bringing my pistols in there, my sniper wouldn't be of much good in close quarters anyway."

He raised an eyebrow and glanced back towards me, "Since when do you know how to use a sniper rifle solider?"

"Since a month ago when I found one." I smirked, "I think I prefer using them actually." That and they were great for sneaking. All I had to do was get in a good spot and then bam!

He only nodded his head, a faint hue of pint still shaded his cheeks. I wouldn't be surprised if my blush was darker than that. Gee this was starting off just dandy.

"So in hindsight, maybe this wasn't the best idea." I said as we left the cleaning room. The damn robot had sealed us in here, expecting us to finish a project that some of the greatest prewar minds couldn't accomplish. Stupid mandatory overtime…this Elwood guy had to be freaking out of his mind to issue something like that.

And then, right when I thought being locked in a deserted laboratory wasn't bad enough, the damn freaking robot fills the room with radiation! Even if it was for a short time, it was still enough to burn whatever skin that was exposed. I could practically feel the anger seethe out of Danse as we made our way out of the cleaning room, "You think?" He growled out. "This was a horrible plan!"

"Oh don't be such a Debbie downer. I'm sure between the two of us, we can get this project done and be out of here by dinner!"

Danse brought a hand up to his forehead and began to rub his brows together, as if he was fighting off a headache, "Fine, but stick close, we still have no idea what's out there." He said his tone rigid. "If we run into any hostiles, let me handle the bulk of it."

I watched him moved ahead of me to take point. Even after all this time he didn't think I could handle myself. It's been two months, did he really think I didn't improve at all? I held my tongue from arguing with him, the big guy was already on edge enough, he didn't need me arguing with him.

We ducked into the next room which looked as run down as the rest of the place. It was dark except for one light that shown over a fancy set of computers and monitors. The room itself was in shambles, pieces of wall and broken beakers littered the floor and surfaces, wires and ceiling fixtures hung long, almost hitting Danse as we walked in. A lone terminal sat on a desk that was covered with scattered lab equipment. "Maybe it has what we need to get out of here." I wondered out loud. Without waiting for Danse's answer I sat myself down and began to click through the files, silently thanking whoever that the terminal hadn't been locked. My hacking skills were a far cry from Nick's.

It had belonged to an Ericka Elwod-Woolum, wasn't that the directors name. So the crazed director locked his wife in too.

They had been working on a type of power armor for the military, more specifically to convert ionizing radiation to electrical energy, to harvest compact energy. So basically whenever you took a trip through any type of radiation it would give your power core a jump start. "So I think the Brotherhood would find this useful after all." I said to Danse who had leaned over me to look over my shoulder. I felt my cheeks burn but looked away ignoring the fact that we were so close, and he wasn't in his armor. I could still feel the heat from his body as I played with the keys of the terminal. "S-so maybe this isn't a total flop after all."

"Total flop?"

"I mean, not a total waste of time." I said. I knew people still tried to use pre-war lingo Preston tried-and failed-numerous times. Always cracked me up, kind of like my own person inside joke. Thankfully there was Nick who could share the laugh with me. Poor Preston…"If we can finish what they've started, we could bring it back and reproduce it somehow."

"Outstanding," He smiled. "But according to this researchers notes, it would seem they had a hard time figuring out what was going wrong. "

"Well, nothing a little good o' fashion digging cant fix. And anway she says they almost got it done." I said as I skimmed through the paragraphs, "If we can get our hands on these materials and any other notes, than we can just follow the directions they left behind."

"Its always easier said than done." He sighed.

"But that's what makes it interesting. "I grinned, "Come on lets go look around for the materials."

"You and I have a different definition of the word interesting." He grumbled out.

I flashed him a smile then glanced back down at the terminal and browsed through the files a while longer. Danse had long since stood up, straightening himself as he shifted his weight from one leg to the other. I could tell he was growing restless, but there could be more on this terminal that could help us.

So according to Ericka, they needed a substance labeled U-238, but hadn't been able to obtain it thanks to Wilfred. Wilfred, that was his name, well at least I remembered the Will part. "It looks like Will locked himself up with sample 611, also locking another Researcher up with the U-238 in the Isotope room. So we just need to find the rooms with those samples and put them into that terminal over there. Sound simple enough."

"Those normally turn out to be the harder missions." He said pessimistically. "Let just hope we can find another way past those locked doors."

I could pick locks, but not terminal or electronic doors.

We made our way to the door when my ears picked up on an ominous scrapping sound in the hall outside. The sound slow and drawn out, like feet dragging against the floor. The possibilities of what it could be rushed through my head in a blur. "Ferals," Danse said his voice low, but it was enough to break me from my reverie. "Who knows how many are out there."

"It's just ferals." I said as I checked the magazine of my 10mm. Full, good. "It's not like a deathclaw or a Super Mutant horde are out there. What's a couple of ferals?"

He let out a snort as he lifted his chin up,"You wont be saying that if there's a glowing one solider." Shit, I forgot there could be a possible glowing one out there. They were nasty and something I didn't want to encounter. I would have enough Radaway and rad-x if we had the unfortunate luck to cross paths with one, but still, I'd like it if we didn't. Danse took his laser rifle off his shoulder, "You cover my right, I'll do the same for your left."

"Roger, I'll get the door." The doors swung open alerting the ferals that wondered the room that there was "food" coming in. We made short work of them as they all zoned in on us. Thankfully no glowing one. "All clear," I said as my eyes scanned the room. This hallway was the worst yet, and that water smelled horrible. Moldy and musky in the worst combination, and probably fermented for god knows how long.

Danse gave the room one final sweep, his eyes darting all around the hall. He lowered his weapon which gave me the all clear to follow suit. "Affirmative," He said briskly. "Though I don't doubt there are more in the other rooms. Stay on guard."

I nodded and glanced around. There were several rooms to search, would be a lot to cover, and even though we knew which samples we needed, we didn't know exactly where they were or if they had been displaced by the ghouls. "Instead of wasting time…" I said hesitantly, he wouldn't like the idea I knew. But we didn't have the time to spare, not if we wanted to get out of here and back on the road before morning. "We should split up, we'll cover more ground that way."

His body tensed, and his grip tightened on his rifle. He stared at me, his eyes seemed to pierce right through me. I felt a shiver creep up my spin, and a voice whisper to back down, but I stayed firm, "Are you insane?" He said realizing I wasn't serious, "We have no idea how many hostiles are littering this place."

I rolled my eyes, "Like I said, it's just ferals. And they're weak ones too." I glimpsed down at the dead rotting mass near my feet. They were thinner than any of the other ferals I had ever come across, probably because they were trapped in here, just like us with nothing to feed on.

My body gave an involuntary shudder, we needed to get out of here before we ended up with no food or water. We had ration but not enough for a month. All the more reason to separate. "We'll be able to find the samples faster and get out of here that much quicker." I urged, "Isn't it worth the risk? And anyway we'll be within ear shot of one another, so if anything should happen one of us well scream bloody murder and the other will come running."

His lips pressed into a thin line, "Fine, "He said reluctantly. " But we check back in in thirty minutes, and signal me if you need help."

I gave him a nasty look, "And why do you think I'll need to signal?" I said placing my hands on my hips, "Maybe you might need my help."

"Because, "He said quipped, "You're the one who always gets into trouble. Or manages to get injured somehow."

I couldn't suppress the surge of anger rise to my chest at his casual barb, "Well, we'll just have to see then!" I snapped, I knew it was only a halfhearted joke on my abilities but it did have some truth behind it. I turned on my heels and headed up the stairs. My rational side told me to calm down. But I couldn't, for some reason, whether it was my stubborn pride or the fact that Danse had poked fun at a sore topic, I couldn't cool the anger I felt over the matter. I knew I wasn't much of a fighter, but that didn't mean I needed constant reminders from everyone, especially from Danse who just yesterday said he trusted me. If I always found trouble and got injured like he said, than why even put up with me? Why sponsor me?

'I see potential in you…' His words echoed in my head and slowly my anger deflated and I was left with a sense of regret wash over me for how I had snapped at him like that. I could have handled his joke better. I'd have to say something to him later, there was work to be done and I didn't want to linger.

I looked around my surroundings with a sense of anxiety. Danse's warning finally sinking in. Who knows what else is in this shit hole. While I had finally gotten used to seeing feral ghouls I still hadn't gotten past the sounds they make. Those moans and the ear piercing screeches they would use right before they charged at you with they would give off right before they charged with inhuman like speed. Still gave me the chills.

I was slowly adjusting to the horrors that the wasteland threw at me, though many things still shocked and horrified me. Deathclaws, now those were things I'd never get used to. They were just the right combination of scary intelligent and belligerent, that just hearing the word sent shivers down my spin. I had only ever encountered one and barely survived it.

The sound of human like gurgling brought me out of my train of thought. Quickly I pressed against the wall nearest the door where I heard the sound coming from. I knew I could handle ferals, but Danse's threat of a glowing one sent my nerves on fire. They were meaner than any ghoul I've ever faced before. I didn't want to encounter one, especially up close.

I stayed pressed against the wall for seemed like ages, holding my breath and trying to hear though the noise of my pounding heart. I was being silly, I told myself, it's only a feral. At last I inched toward the door, my pistol held firmly in my hand. I jumped into the room right as a feral began to stand up after sensing my presence. Two shots had been enough to keep it from getting back up. A laugh bubbled its way up my throat. I was being foolish. I had to get a grip. I could handle ferals, its nothing I haven't faced before.

I had to shake this feeling off before Danse saw me, his words might have been told as a joke, but that didn't mean he didn't at least think some of it was true. I had to show him I could handle myself alone out here.

The room was a storage room, beakers and microscopes, cans and a few coffee mugs were left on the shelf. Plenty of materials to salvage but no samples. I made a mental note to come back here later when we weren't locked in. I exited the small room and looked around the main part of the room, which had a few desk and broken monitors on them. One desk in particular stood out to me, I peered over the broken down terminal to see a skeleton wearing sunglasses was perched at it. I drew a closer look revealing a cup next to a bottle of rat posing and a container next to a suicide note, but unfortunately it wasn't the sample we needed.

I picked up the note carefully, the paper was worn with age and even the slightlest of moments could brush off the ink, or tear the edges. Apparently Ericka and the others had tried to crawl through the vents and try to reach Will in the other room. But Will had set up some sort of defense to stop whoever tried to get in there.

I glanced back down at the Skelton whose name had been Tom. I felt a ping of pity as I placed the note back down. They had been so close to finishing the project, so close to getting out, but then it all fell apart. What they all must have gone through right before they all died. Tom had taken his life unsure of what the radiation was doing him. Maybe if he had know he would have survived it, maybe he wouldn't have taken his life. But these people didn't know or understand ghoulification. And Ericka died up there in the vents, before she got a chance to see her husband again.

I let out a deep sigh and looked towards the hole in the ceiling, so they could use the vents to get into the room with the password in it. Hopefully the turrets Will had hacked into weren't operational. I casted a glance towards the exit, should I tell Danse I wondered. It wasn't the thirty minute mark, and I still had fifteen more minutes. I could get he password and be back in ten. As long as I didn't run into any trouble along the way. God I hope there weren't any ferals up there. The thought of crawling into one of them was enough twist my insides.

I climbed my way up and through the vents, going at a cautious speed. The vent was littered with gaps and I didn't want to fall through one just to get trapped within another room.

I turned the corner and froze, a skeleton in a dress dangled above a hole in the vent. That must be Ericka, I thought as my heart fell. I pushed aside my feelings of pity. That must be the room Will had locked himself in. I thought trying to busy my mind, I couldn't dwell on the past, I had to move forward.

I carefully shimmied my way past Ericka's skeleton, gingerly moving around it so I wouldn't knock it down. As soon as I pushed myself off the edge, I heard that all too familiar gurgle sound, oh fuck me.

I landed, but not on solid ground, instead I landed right on the ghoul below me. I screamed as its rotted hands swiped at me. I vaguely heard Danse shouting for me, but I was too busy pushing the ghoul off. I finally broke free and blasted the ghoul point blank, again it didn't take much. I panted and tried to examine my back, I could feel the burn of scratch marks but I couldn't see them. I'd have to have Danse inspect them-Danse! I speedily scrambled my way off the ground and pressed myself to the window, sure enough he was out in the atrium, shouting for me. I couldn't barely hear him through the glass, and if I could barely hear him, he probably wouldn't be able to hear me.

My eyes hastily scanned the room, I ran over to the terminal to quickly inspect it. It belonged to will, I glanced down at the ghoul and felt a pang of guilt. That must have been Will at one point. I pinched my eyes shut, I had killed one of Nate's friends. I tried to fight off the remorse and revulsion that rushed over me. What would Nate think? How would he react to his friends fate?

No, now is not the time for those thoughts. I quickly browsed the files, but what laid outside the terminal drew my focus entirely. Sitting next to the terminal was sample 611 and a small holographic labeled Isotope room. Bingo!

I didn't browsed the rest of the files, I didn't have time, I could still hear Danse yell for me, his voice growing with concern. I glanced back out the window, I could see Danse making his way upstairs in search for me. My irritation spiked remembering our previous conversation. I was the first to scream out, just like he said. Jesus fuckin-I hated being the damsel in distress. Even though I had gotten out of trouble by myself, it wouldn't matter to Danse in the slightest, he would still think I had managed to get myself into trouble.

I paused right before the door, my eyes hovering over the old fashion laser trip beam that was rigged to the door. I stared at it for a moment in disbelief, how the hell did Will rig this thing, and how the hell has it lasted this long?

Disabling was a snap and I soon found myself on the other side of the door. I carefully picked my way back over to the safer side of the walkway just as danse ran out of the first room on the top floor. He saw me instantly and a look of wild concern and surprise glazed over his features, but then were concealed when his faced pinched with anger. "Where were you? And what was that scream about?" He hissed when he made his way over to me.

"Oh, I landed on a ghoul," I said nonchalantly rolling my shoulders. "I'm fine, I also found the sample we needed and the password to the Isotope room." I finished with a wide grin.

He opened his mouth to say something then promptly closed it. "Good." Was all he ended up saying before he walked down the stairs.

I watched him for a moment while shifting my weight from one foot to the other. While I was still frustrated and angry at him, I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Sure he thought I couldn't really handle myself, but he was worried about me, "Danse," I said as I caught up with him. "Thank you for worrying, it really was nothing, just took me by surprise when the floor suddenly moved beneath me."

He gave me a small nod before he rubbed the back of his neck. "I heard you scream and I-" He looked down to the ground, "I'm glad your alright soilder." He said gruffly.

"How about we go and get those last samples and get the hell outta here?" I said trying to lighten the mood.

He lifted his head up and gave me a small grin, "Affirmative." He then picked up a item off the ground and handed it to me. "I found this sample, along with a hazmat suit. I believe it's one of the ones we need."

"Good work there big guy." I said, "One down, one to go. We'll be outta here in no time."

He took both samples from me and we headed back to the terminal to unlock the Isotope room. "Now be prepared." He cautioned as I turned on the terminal. "Who knows what behind those doors."

"Overly cautious today aren't you." I joked trying to ease my own anxiousness. I still had no idea why I was so on edge. Maybe because Danse was. " I had read a terminal saying how Will had locked one of the other researchers in the Isotope room. So its probably a feral or a skeleton."

Danse eyed me dubiously, "Why do you keep referring back to this Will as if you know him?"

"Uh…" Why was he so perceptible at the worst times? "I had a friend named Will once." That must have been the worst lie I had ever told. Danse didn't seem to buy it, but I didn't give him anymore time to think about it for I had punched in the password, "I'm in."

"Outstanding." He said thought I could still detect a hint of annoyance in his tone. I bit my lip and turned back to the terminal. I really needed to learn to watch what I say, especially around him That or I needed to tell him that big secret of mine…. "Can you unlock the doors?"

"Yes, but once I do, it says an alarm will sound, it could draw out whatever else is lurking in the lab." I said as my eyes scanned over the warning message.

"Let's get in there."

Damn that siren was loud. I thought as we made our way back towards the Isotope room. However right when we were about to enter, a sound crackled from my Pipboy. "Rads." Danse said,It wasn't a whole lot, but I'm sure it would be worse if we got closer.

A green glow from behind Danse drew my attention. I quickly crouched below and shuffled past him, he hissed out, "Solider, what are you doing?" But I ignored him. I peered over the glass as silently as possible in case my suspicions were correct.

Sure enough, a glowing one was wandering around in the isotope room, unbothered by the wail of the siren.

I felt my breath catch in my throat as I slumped against the wall. Fucking fantastic, of course there was a stupid freaking glowing one in here.

That must be Mary. A small part of my mind observed.

Danse finally saw the glow, realization washed over his face. "The hazmat suit wont fit you." I said knowing he had planned to go in there, "And your not going in there without some form of protection against the radiation." No way was I about to let him take in a unhealthy amount of rads just cause I didn't want to kill the robot.

He narrowed his eyes at me, "And just what are you suggesting?" He said his tone sharp. "You cant possibly go in there."

"And why not?" I challenged, "That hazmat suit will fir me just fine.

"Because you aren't equipped with a heavy weapon, all you have is a 10mm and that wont be enough to take down a glowing one." He said his back stiff with stress. "That and you don't the experience against one, not like I do."

"I've fought one before!" I threw back. I had been several feet away and had been sniping the walking glow stick. "And you cant go in there, that room is leaking with radiation."

"Than I'll just have to be quick-"

"Danse that doesn't make any sense. Just let me go, the hazmat suit will fit me just fine." I argued. God he could be so damn stubborn. "I bet if it was anyone else you would let them go! "

He shot me a glare, "I am your Senior Officer, I will make the call on who goes in there. And I'm going."

I felt a vein in my neck twitch, "Not out here your not! Were not on an official Brotherhood mission." I said coldly as I snatched the hazmat suit away from him. "Right now were teammates and as your teammate I'm telling your right now that I'm not about to let you walk in that rad soaked room without any protection! The suit fits me, so I'm going in whether you want me to or not."

I quickly slipped into the horrid color suit as if it was a second skin, all while avoiding Danse. I knew he would be pissed with my tone but I didn't care. How dare he try and play the senior officer card?I thought we were getting closer? He said as much last night?

He didn't say anything as I finished zipping up the jumpsuit. I stole a look at him, his posture was stiff and the muscles in his jaw were rigid. He was glaring at the wall but I could tell he wanted to use that look on me. I shook my head feeling my own frustration boil. "Watch my back from the door." I said as I turned away.

I could hear the breath he let out before he reloaded his rifle, "Affirmative." He said with an abrasive tone. I knew we'd probably have a discussion about they way I had spoken to him, but I didn't care. He needed to see how pig headed he was being.

"Its just one fucking ghoul anyway." I said with a shrug of my shoulders. I've faced plenty of feral ghouls before, this one wasn't any different.

Its just one fucking ghoul I repeated as I crept into the room. I could hear my pipboy going nuts as I drew closer to the center of the room. I stepped into the pool of water as silently as I could. Danse's gaze bore into my back as I made my way to a nearby shelf. I wanted to turn around and reassure him that I was fine, but I had to keep my focus on the glowing one to my right. Thankfully its back was turned to me giving me time to hide behind a shelf before it turned around, hollow empty eyes staring at the spot I had been in.

I casted a glance over to the door where Danse was watching from the window, his brow furrowed. I gave him a thumbs up, he returned it with a glare, the lines of his brow increased. His eyes shifted back to the glowing one then back to me, silently warning me to keep my sights on him.

Don't have to tell me that, I tried to convey with a shake of my head. He returned it with an exasperated breath.

I turned my focus back towards the glowing one who had begun to walk in front of the shelf I was hiding behind, it slowly walked while dragging its feet in an eerie fashion. The scraping of decayed flesh against floor echoed in my ears. As it walked past it let out a chill sending moan.

I hadn't realized I had been holding my breath until the ghoul had reached the far left wall. How's my chance, I cautiously edged away from my hiding spot and was out in the open. I threw a look to my left, its green glowing back faced me. I could see every creepy detail on its flesh. Shadows were casted in the shape of its rob bones. I suppressed a shudder and pushed objective laid neatly on the shelf in front. It was smaller than the other samples.

Now just have to pick it up and we can-

A guttural feral shriek broke my concentration. My hand instinctually went to my holstered pistol as a cold sweat trickle led down my forehead, I had turned wide eye in time to see the glowing one crouched down low, about to charge. I had mere seconds before it would jump me. I hastily grabbed the sample and withdrew my pistol in time to duck out of the way as the glowing one threw itself at me.

I rolled away from the mass of limbs and jumped to my feet. The sudden flow of adrenaline steadied my hand as my instincts took over. I took a firm grip over my pistol as well as the sample and delivered two quick shots to the walking night light's knees. It let out an inhuman howl as it crumbled into a heap. Its howls of pain cried out as I emptied my magazine into its chest.

It still wouldn't die. Another pump of adrenaline coursed threw me as if I had been hooked up to an IV of the stuff. I could feel my anger and frustration overwhelm the fear I felt. In two quick strides I stood in front of the feral. I didn't know where this sudden fury boiled from, whether it stemmed from my anger towards Danse, or from my own frustration towards myself, I was unsure. But in that moment all I felt was an uncontrollable amount of fury as I bludgeoned the feral with the handle of my gun.. It's head hit the floor with a satisfying thud.

I quickly reloaded my pistol as the feral picked itself up, it hissed as the bullets fell from the entry sites. It raised its head just as I raised my gun. It's black soulless eyes bore into mine as I shot it point blank. It's head exploding sending a shower of putrid irradiated blood and bits of decaying brain and flesh into the sky and all over the hazmat suit I was wearing.

I was dimly aware of Danse's presence in the room as all my fury and adrenaline flood out of my body. Without the constant flow of adrenaline, my limbs felt heavy as my breaths came out in heaves. Danse stood beside me now, and I could feel the ghost of that fury spike up. I gave him a glare as I pushed him to the door. He could have stopped me if he wanted to simply by standing still. But he allowed it for some reason. Once we were both out of the field of radiation, I threw off the helmet and tossed it haphazardly to the ground. My hair clung to my face and neck but I didn't care. "Why the hell did you go in there!" I yelled louder than I had intended. A dim part of me cautioned that I shouldn't be yelling at my commanding officer as if he were a child, but in that moment my anger lapsed my better judgment. Why'd he have to brave the radiation just to try and help me when I didn't need it drove me mad. Didn't he trust me even in the slightest?

He returned my seething glare with a icy one of his own. He straightened to his full height towering over me. He kept a level tone despite his angered expression, "You had engaged a hostile and needed my help."

He was intimidating, if I wasn't as furious as I was I might have backed down. I'm sure if anyone else was in my position they'd back down, or they wouldn't even be in this situation in the first place. "I handled that just fine!" I hissed out. "You didn't need to go in there!"

"It didn't look that way where I was standing." He threw back.

That did nothing but fuel my fury, "Danse you cant always control every situation you go against." I said with an abrasive tone, "You try but you cant!"

"I though you said you believed in my, or was that lol just in the moment crap!" He said he trusted me, he said he thought of me as a friend and someone he trusted. Why were we now all of sudden back to commanding officer and knight?

His eyes seemed to have pierced through me he glared as if I had become invisible to him or he couldn't bare to even look at me. I felt my knees tremble under his stare, but I didn't back down. My own anger keeping me going at this point. "I don't regret my decision." He said in a firm tone. "I would do it again."

We were almost nose to nose by this time, Danse was flushed with frustration and I felt the blood rising to my own face. "Well I do," I said bluntly. "You could have and you might have sucked up to much radiation! And you know whose fault it would have been? Mine! Because I am a screw up and people get hurt because of me!" That was the underline cause for this whole thing. I was furious with him, for him not trusting me and putting himself in danger, though I knew, at least the more rational part of me knew that it wasn't his fault. He couldn't help but be worried about his teammates and friends. He didn't want to lose someone he was closed to again, and I was that person. I couldn't hold onto my anger towards him after that. No I realized that I was furious with myself. I was frustrated that I I couldn't show him that I'd be alright, that I couldn't see past my anger and realize he was only concerned about me, not that he thought I couldn't handle myself.

I was suddenly feeling drained both after my encounter with the glowing one and after our argument. I didn't want to fight any more I didn't have the eagerly to keep it up, "look, lets just get these samples back to the lab and get out of here."

I turned around and began walking back towards the main lab room. I heard his footfalls behind me yet he remained quiet as I unzipped the suit and threw it in a garbage can. Don't think I could get anymore use out of it. I sat the samples down in their designated spots and sat off to work.

According to the terminal, the coating would take a few hours. For it to set in and be at optimal proficiency. "Why don't you get some sleep." I said, "The armor wont be done for a while, and I doubt there are any hostile left in the-"

"I'm fine." He said cutting me off,

I pinched the bridge of my nose, I didn't want another round of us arguing with each other, but I knew he needed sleep even if he claimed he didn't. The dark circles under his eyes were proof of that,. "Danse, please." I urged. "You look like you haven't slept in weeks, and if there are any hostile than I'll wake you up before engaging I promise."

Come on big guy meet me half way.

He gave me a sharrp look as if he were about to protest but he relented, giving out a frustrated sigh, and shrugged off his undersized lab coat and turned into into a makeshift pillow. He laid down his ack facing me. Guess he didn't want another argument either. Hopefully we both would cool off by the time he woke up.

I watched him for a while to make sure he did fall asleep. Sure enough after a few minutes his breathing slowed. At least we wouldn't argue for a while. I thought as I stared back at the monitor, two percent done.

Well, we weren't getting outta here tonight.

The rhythmic clicking of jets drifted to his ears and it was accompanied by the low humming of a high pitches voice.. Soft steady and peaceful. It was faint and calm and he enjoyed listening to it. He heard the sound of water distantly in the background, louder and louder it grew until it became a rush of waves upon sand. The sound of a vertibirds propellers roared above him. He heard someone call out to move forward.

He ran, his heart pounding in his chest as he pushed open the metal doors and was engulfed in darkness-

-air was thick with salt and rancid scent of decaying flesh. Musky scent of stagnated water mixed in.

A scream echoed around him and he felt a sense of urgency swell within him. He ran faster and faster, footfalls falling in tuned with the screaming.

The darkness around him melted and dead bodies and piles of bones, flesh and blood grew around him. The scream grew louder as a figure appeared before him. One side was larger, more grotesque than the other more human side. His heart thundered against his chest as the creature turned. Holotapes dug into the monster neck. His eyes gazed down at him, pleading as tears ran down the more human looking face., "Help me Danse." The monster cried.

Frozen unable to move or reach out, he could only watch as the monster engulfed the humanity of his friend, until nothing but an abomination remainder. Its features knurled into a sneer as it let out wails of inhuman laughter.

It charged

He panicked.

Gun fire and a monstrous scream of pain.

"CUTLER!"

Danse awoke with a start. Where was he? His mind raced. He rose a hand up to brush back his hair as he tried to slow his breathing. At one he recognized it. The quickening of his heartbeat, the uneasy flow of his breathing, the cold chill that raced down his spine. Breath he ordered as he squeezed his eyes closed. Steady, not here not now.

He took one deep breath and slowly he eased his heartbeat, as his breaths slowed. Calm down, not here not now. He chanted over and over as if the words were a magic spell. His mind gained control over his frantic emotions. Not here, not now, not in front of-

His eyes snapped open, alertness flooding through him and a whole different type of anxiousness settled within him.

Where was Gilmore?

He stood up quickly and rushed to the door, it whirled open and a smell that burned his eyes rushed to greet him. The air around him was thick with the burning scent of rotten flesh.

A sense of dread filled him and he tried to block out the images of his nightmare.

Gilmore had promised she'd wake him if anything were to happen. He would have been furious with her, if he wasn't so anxious.

Upstairs he could see thick black smoke coming from the room Gilmore found the password in.

He took the stairs four by four, he picked up speed before he vaulted over the missing piece of floor, his feet slamming against the tile as he crouched to absorb the shock. He gripped his rifle and drew it to his chest. The scent was stronger now, the fumes burned his lungs with each breath he took. He reached the door in a few quick strides. It was propped open by two heavy chairs allowing the air to filter out. Thoughts were chasing themselves though Danse's mind. Why was there a fire did Gilmore Light the up a ghoul and herself? His feat was mounting now. What awaited him when he entered the room.

He closed his eyes, and braced himself. Silently hoping he wouldn't find her sprawled out. He couldn't,-it couldn't end that way. Not after the argument they had, not before he had the chance to-

Pushing all of his thoughts aside he entered the room, gun at the ready to find Gilmore standing in front of a pile of burning dead ferals. She's alright, he thought at once, the trepidation flowing out of him only to be replaced by confusion. "Gilmore?" He said cautiously.

She stood stock-still for a moment as if she was a criminal caught in the act. But after a moment, she shook herself slightly, her hands moved to her face, She turned around, "Your awake." She spoke calmly but all color had faded from her face.

He felt his heart clench at the sight, "What's wrong?" He asked his voice revealing the concern he felt.

That had caught her off guard, the look of surprise graced her features as she turned away from him. "It's nothing, I-" She stopped herself and had looked back down at the pyre, reminding Danse his reason for coming here.

He closed the distance between them and noticed how Gilmore shied away from him. Concern gripped him once more. She had always been the one to reach out, not afraid of how close she was with the person. Was she still that angry with him?. "What's going on?" He pressed with a much firmer tone, "Why are you burning these bodies?"

She looked up at him and he could see her fumbling for words. "I couldn't bury them…I didn't know how else to-I thought, "She looked away from him, and let out a deep sigh, "I thought maybe I should cremate them, a funeral of sorts since they never got one."

"But why?" She had killed ferals before, sure she had been hesitant at first, but she grew accustomed to it. He had seen the fear some vault dwellers had at seeing a feral for the first time, but this wasn't fear she was feeling. It looked like remorse?

She shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself. Danse had never seen her like this, so vulnerable looking. She always held herself so confidently, with a spark that burned in her eyes. He felt his heart sink at the sight. She spoke again, "Its different when you put a name to the body." She then looked back down at the fire, "They've been trapped here for so long, not to mention that most of them didn't just die, but had been mutated into something else. Can you imagine what that must had been like, to change into something and not know why or how? These people didn't know what ghouls were, they didn't have them back before the war. Could you imagine what they must have felt when they saw their reflection for the first time, or when slowly they lost their minds and turned feral? I just though I could finally let them be at peace or something."

"They are just ferals."

She turned back to him sharply, the fire in her eyes had returned, blazing with an anger that surprised him. "They were once people!" She snapped, "They had lives and families once! Sure it's easy to think that before they have a name!" Why did she care so much, these ferals had been long since being human. They were nothing more than mere husk of their former selves.

He glanced down at the burning pile and felt something, remorse? But why? The Brotherhood taught him that ferals needed to be exterminated because they weren't human, because they couldn't be reasoned with. Why feel remorse when you kill something that's not even human.

Because it had once been human, he realized. They had been people once, just like Gilmore said. They had been able to think and feel things. Had friends and family that care about them, before the radiation had mutated them into something less than human.

Like Cutler…

Danse let out a sigh and looked back down at Gilmore who still glared at him, her eyes seemed to pierced right into him, making him shift his weight uncomfortably. He didn't know why she had this effect on him, how she could get him to feel things he never thought he could. Especially towards ferals. "Your right…" He said slowly surprising himself with his own words..

She stared at him, the glare fading from her face. She looked away from him and back down to the fire, the bodies had slowly turned to ash. Danse was surprised they had burned that quickly, but then again they didn't have much to them, just rotten flesh and bone.

Like the piles where he had found Cutler.

He took in a sharp breath. Think of another topic, think of anything other than Cutler. Anything…

Like the argument he had with Gilmore.

His stomach twisted at the memory and a sense of regret gripped him, "Gilmore-"

"I better go and get an extinguisher before the fire gets out of control." She cut in. She turned to leave without another glance towards him.

He deflated, she was still mad at him Didn't she-couldn't she see he had only stepped in in order to protect her. She was under his charge, and if she had died in front of him like the others, he would never forgive himself.

But the way she had yelled at him was another matter entirely.

If it had been anyone else he'd have them shipped back to the Prydwen and assigned to some mundane chore like cleaning the entire airship top to bottom, or keeping the sand off of the airbase. If she had challenged Maxon or Kells with that attitude she'd have been demoted so fast her head would spin.

He wasn't sure why he had been so lenient with her? Was it because of their new found friendship?

That must be it.

Gilmore returned with a solemn air around her. She didn't take her eyes off the fire when she administered the foam. The fire was smothered instantly, leaving only an oozing foam and ash mixture on the floor.

They stood there in an uncomfortable silence. He felt his brows furrowed. He hated this! Hated the silence and tension. She was his partner, could she understand that he had wanted to keep her safe? 'And do you know whose fault it would have been mine!' Her words echoed in his mind, 'Because I am a screw up and people get hurt because of me!'

Did she really believe that?

He felt his heart drop down to his stomach in realization. Of course she did, between Knight Rhys's constant reminders and his actions-however justified they were-today were enough to make her think that way. He had to set things straight. "Gilmore I-"

"Look." She interrupted, looking back at him, "I know your not going to forgive me for my actions earlier, I wouldn't blame you if you did, but you need to understand that I didn't want you risking yourself for me."

He stared at her stunned. She shouldn't be concern with his safety. He told himself immediately. He was her commanding officer he was- but the more he thought about it the more his line of thinking didn't make sense. He was her commanding officer, and it was his duty to ensure her safety, but they were also friends. He wouldn't deny that they had become closer since they first met. He had been honest when he said she was as close to him as Cutler had been. But at the same time, couldn't she see that that was why he wanted to keep her safe. He even in a way told her he couldn't lose someone close like that again.

Before he could even think of what to reply with, she jumped in taking full advantage of his silence, "I just need you to know that even if I'm probably the most reckless, jumpy, non military type of charge you ever had, I can handle the situation I'm in-most of the time. And I need you to know I have your back too." She paused, "I need you to trust me like you said you do."

"Gilmore I do trust you I-" He stopped when she turned to him.

She raised her head so she could look him in the eye. Slowly she smiled, it wasn't one of her normal wide expressive smiles, it was much smaller and sadder than she'd normally give. It made him feel something he couldn't quite place, concern? Worry? Disappointment? "I'm sorry Danse, for everything, the lies, the running away-which I know you still haven't forgiven me for." She said as she eyed him down the ghost of her fire peaking out. "And for my actions today, if we had just dismantled Molly than we wouldn't be in this mess. And for the way I shouted at you, it was disrespectful."

He stared at her for a moment, processing her words. He felt confusion build in his mind, not at her. But towards himself. As her senior officer, it was his duty to put her back in line. To address her behavior today, it was boarder line she was right, they weren't out here on official Brotherhood orders, they were just teammates, and friends.

"Danse," She called out waking him from his thoughts, "You okay there bug guy?" The use of his nickname brought a smile to his face.

"I'm fine Gilmore, I just…"He trailed off trying to find the words. He didn't want to sat anything that would cause her to bottle up and distance herself from him, yet he had to be her Ensor officer.

Oh, what a thin line he walked.

"Gilmore, I'm sorry for my actions today as well. While I may have thought they were validated, you proved to me that they were unnecessary." He said, slowly he began to feel that all to familiar creepy sense of nervousness and embarrassment pool in his chest whenever he dealt with situations such as these. Before he met Gilmore he'd never have these types of conversations. Not even with Cutler. It was unfamiliar territory and he didn't like being unprepared for it. "I'm sorry that I made it seem like I didn't trust you, that I left you with the wrong impression. I need to realize that you can handle yourself…I just don't want to see anyone under my care get injured."

She let out a small laugh which caused his stomach to do flips. "I'll forgive you but on one condition big guy."

Somehow he believed she already did without the use of her 'condition', yet he'd play along. "And what's that?"

"Use my first name like you said you'd would."

Why she wanted him to was a mystery to him. "I'll try." He said slowly his cheeks burning. Why did she have this effect over him? He'd call people by their first name before. Why was she so different?

She flashed him one of her big grins that at once settled his discomfort, but made him feel confused at the same time. Why did he feel that way and for that matter what as it that he even felt? He had never felt quite like this before. He had been comfortable around Cutler so it wasn't because she was his friend…so what was it?

"Good," She said, her tone normal and calm, "Now why don't we head back and check on the armor, before I left it said it was eighty-five percent done"

"Affirmative." While he still felt that some anxiety over the confusing friendship he had with her, it was nice to know that they were hood with one another.

They had walked back to the main lab with a comfortable silence over them. They had reached the stairs when Gilmore-Emery, he corrected himself, looked over her shoulder towards him. He saw concern flash through her face before she asked, "Did you get any sleep?" Even though she concealed the concern on her face with a smile, her tone told him otherwise.

He frowned, his sleeping habits were a topic he did not like to discuss with anyone, not even her. When Cade had approached him on the topic he had tried to brush him off. Reluctantly he was forced to tell Cade, after the doctor had practically threatened to go to Maxon if he didn't speak to him about it. Cade had recommending he be removed from active duty, but Danse had put an end to that line of thought instantly. He was fine, he just didn't sleep well, what person did in this nightmarish wasteland. And he had been able to sleep better, until four months ago when he lost most of his squad…

But this brought on a whole new problem. She couldn't know anything about his dreams.. He couldn't look weak in her eyes. No one could. He brought a hand up to his neck to rub it. "Yes, thank you."

She raised an eyebrow and for a moment Danse feared she had been about to press the matter further. Instead though, she shook her head and kept walking, leaving him to wonder if she suspected anything. He needed to be more careful, he couldn't give anything away.

When they had reached the lab, they had been alerted to a bing noise form the main terminal. "Good, it's done." Emery sighed out as she bent over to read the terminal, "Geez that took all night, I never thought it be done."

"All night?" He repeated, "How long did you let me sleep for?"

She turned her head towards him, "Well you looked like you reeaally needed some sleep so I…" She trailed off suddenly looking uncomfortable. "Eight hours."

Eight hours? "You should have woken me up!" He said sternly.

She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, but then shook her head, "Maybe, "She said causally with a shrug of her shoulder, "But like I said you looked like you needed it, and I think you could use some more too."

Danse's mouth opened, but no sound came out. He realized this and closed it abruptly, coughing.

"But what about you?" He said quietly not being able to come up with something else. Her statement had thrown him off guard.

"You needed it more than I did," She threw back casually. She then looked back down at the screen, "The armor should come out that window over there on the wall."

He let the matter drop for now, not wanting to ignite another argument. She shouldn't do things like that for him, she shouldn't feel the need to. He was her senior officer, he was supposed to look out for her, not the other way around.

But wasn't that what friend do? He wondered. He had always looked out for Cutler like that. Always made sure the two of them never got too drunk. Was there when he needed him. But Cutler and him had been the same rank, not like Emery and himself. He was her commanding officer, there had to be ground of professionalism.

He really needed to find a good balance of the two.

Emery moved snapping Danse out of his thoughts. She walked over to the small window and withdrew an armor chest plate. When she tried to lift it up however she struggled causing a a small chuckle to escape from his lips. "Allow me solider." He smiled lifting it with ease.

She rolled her eyes, "What a gentlemen." She said sarcastically, though her eyes lit up with amusement, "Now I know who to ask for when my bag gets to heavy to carry,"

"Either that or you could pick up less junk."

"Hey!" She snapped, "My stuff is not junk!"

He let out a scoff and smirked, "Even when I was a junk collector I would pass at a lot of the things you pick up. " He said, " And what do you call that monkey automaton you found a while back?"

"Useful scrap."

"Sure." He grinned enjoying their banter. He could feel the rest of his anxiety over their previous altercation fade with each smile she gave him. He felt his cheeks burn suddenly and he quickly looked down at the chest piece. Focus on the mission at hand! He scolded himself. The Piezonucleic power armor piece looked like any other T-51 chest plate but had been rusted with age and disuse. Hopefully the gears and screws were in better condition, but they could be replaced if needed. They would also have to field test it, make sure it was at optimal proficiency before replicating it. All in all this was a successful mission, even if they had had no choice but to complete it.

"Since were gonna have to field test the thing, why don't you do it?" Emery said looking up at him, "I know it wont match your T-60 model but who care about fashion around here?"

"It's your find, and you're the one that figured out how to finish it." He said lifting his eyebrow up, "You should test it."

She shook her head dismissively, her copper hair bouncing around her. "After all the unneeded stress o put you through to get it, I think you should have it." She smiled, "And anyway, you're the big power armor buff, you'll be able to get the most use out of it."

He couldn't argue with that one, "Alright." He smirked, "Why don't we get out of here?"

She smiled, and her eyes lit up mischievously, "Affirmative sir?" She said in a mocking tone.

He only grinned back at her. A light and peaceful feeling enveloping him as he watched her head out. Things were good between them, more than good.

-Chapter End-

Ending note: I'm gonna ed turned here since most of us know how the mission ends, and I don't want to repeat what everyone already knows. And oh boy is this chapter freaking long! I didn't intend for it to be this long so sorry parts might have been a bit boring. I just wanted a character driven chapter and thought of 'hey why don't I lock them in a room together and see what happens type of thing.

And on another note, I and still looking for a beta so if anyone is interested let me know please!

Also let me know how I did with Danse. He's a confusing character to write about, and I've never had to write a character who has a military background or that suffers from PTSD. So please let me know. Feed back is great!

Kudos and Comments are always welcomed!

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