"That was close Jayden. I thought that the Overseer was about to snap when you said he had gone crazy. You really shouldn't have done that, next time he might just kill you," Gomez warns.
The pair are on walking through the hallways heading towards the classroom. Jayden's still shaking from his encounter with the Overseer. Things were so much easier when he allowed himself to lose control. Back then he would have simply pulled out his shotgun and fought his way to Amata. Who knew that a few holotapes could change a person so quickly.
"Listen to me Jayden!"
Jayden glances back at Gomez, who's stopped in the hallway. The officer's arms are crossed and he's looking worriedly at Jayden. "The Overseer will not be lenient the next time you cross paths. It's hard to predict his moods." Gomez pauses for a moment, thinking.
"Some of the guards have been talking, and we think that the Overseer might be suffering from Vault Depressive Syndrome," he whispers.
It's hard not to laugh. The Overseer's hell bent on keeping everyone inside the Vault, when he himself is suffering from being pent up in the Vault. "Don't worry Gomez. When I get Amata to talk to him, I'm sure that things will resolve themselves," Jayden assures him.
Gomez nods, but he's still unsure. They continue on in silence, and soon they're a few feet away from the classroom. "This is where I stop Jayden. The Rebels don't take too kindly to guards," Gomez says sheepishly.
"Thanks for your help Gomez. If you weren't in that office with me..." Jayden feels the cut on his cheek. "Just know that you're a good friend Gomez."
Gomez grins. After a curt nod, Gomez turns around and drops a key. He's gone before Jayden can say anything. Curiously, Jayden bends down and scoops up the key. Written neatly in Gomez's handwriting is: Jail. After a moment's thought, Jayden pockets the key and continues on.
He can make out someone hiding behind the corner, taking hurried glances at Jayden. "It's alright. I don't bite," Jayden calls out. Slowly, the figure comes out into the light.
Jayden isn't sure whether to smile or to frown. It's Butch, his childhood tormentor. Once again Jayden's reminded by how much has changed since he left. Butch is a shadow of his former self. He's still wearing his Tunnel Snakes jacket, but he seems... afraid.
"L-look buddy, I got no beef with you, so just back off or I'll-"
"Are you serious Butch?" Jayden laughs, cutting him off. With a sly smirk, Jayden pulls out his shotgun, holding it level to Butch's shaking forehead. Already Jayden can see a bead of sweat forming. As hard as it is to admit it, Jayden's having fun.
"Scared yet Butchie?" Jayden murmurs.
Butch lets out a terrified squeal.
"Wow, the Wasteland really has changed you. I never thought that I'd see you bullying the bully."
Panicked, Jayden hurries to stow his weapon. He can help but grin as Amata turns the corner and faces him for the first time in years. She's still beautiful, but she seems older. Wiser. When she smiles Jayden can see that no matter how much time has passed, she's still the same on the inside.
"No need to put the gun away Jay, I knew you were joking from the moment you put that crazy grin on your face," she says, casting a teasing look at Butch. He sheepishly raises, dusting himself off as if nothing had happened. His trademark scowl is soon back on his face.
"Lucky you had that gun punk," he growls. Then his expressions softens, and he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. "Listen... I never got to thank you for saving my mother's life. Just know that it meant a lot to me," he says, eyes looking steadily at the steel floor.
Amata smiles a sad smile and pulls Jayden away. "Butch's mother died later on. Radiation sickness. Jonas could have helped but... my father..." Amata trails off.
As if it's the most natural thing in the world, Jayden hugs her. It seems... right. "I'm so glad that you came," Amata murmurs. She's still in his arms, as if unwilling to let go again.
With a sad smile, Jayden looks back down at her.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't be here sooner."