Chapter 4: Chemical Romance
Hey there everyone, welcome to Chapter 4 of Commonwealth Blues! I'd like to give a big thank you to Mandalore the Freedom and Fanfictionfan3601 for all of their reviews and support! Also, I'd like to make a quick mention about the news about Fallout: 76, in that I am absolutely hyped for the game! However, I am absolutely praying that this isn't some kind of online game or Battle Royal kind of game. Anyway, let us begin the Chapter!
I do not own Fallout 4, that belongs to Bethesda
Frustration escaped the Sole Survivor's lips, her lips curled into a deep scowl. She glared at the ingredients in front of her, practically blaming them for her sudden mental block. The equations, the calculations, the atoms…all refused to work cohesively and just ended up being a jumbled mess. Her fists gripping at her mousy-brown hair, the woman called Scarecrow threw her head back and let out an angry shriek.
"Having fun there, treasure?" A new voice asked.
Scarecrow immediately whipped around at the sound of that voice, a smile appearing on her weary face. Standing near the doorway to the room, decked out in her corset and bandaged-up fists, was Cait. All thoughts about chemicals and equations left the Sole Survivor's mind, as she made her way over to the Irish fighter. Scarecrow's hands automatically wrapped themselves around Cait's waist and her head became nuzzled against Cait's chest, the sound of her heartbeat resonating against the Sole Survivor's ear. The smell of blood, leather and whiskey enveloped Scarecrow and quite honestly, it was probably one of her absolutely favourite smells.
Cait stiffened for a brief second, still somewhat unused to such displays of affection, before wrapping her arms around Scarecrow's waist and planting a soft kiss on her forehead. The two stood there for what seemed like ages, before slowly untangling themselves from their embrace.
The two had been through a lot together and had battled so many things; the Institute, the Brotherhood, Cait's addiction problem, Scarecrow's depression….they faced all of that and yet somehow, despite all the odds, they had managed to beat everything thrown at them. And as much as people doubted the relationship being able to last, the two of them continued to prove everyone wrong.
The Irish fighter sauntered over to the fridge and began rummaging inside, before finding a half-empty bottle of Whiskey. Letting out a triumphant sound, Cait immediately began to gulp down the alcoholic beverage as she made her way back to her lover.
"So, what's got ya so pissed?" Cait inquired.
"Oh, its nothing." Scarecrow responded.
"Bullshit, treasure." Cait retorted, eyebrow raised. "Something's eating your arse, and I know it ain't me."
Scarecrow was pretty sure her eyes had gone as wide as dinner plates at Cait's words. That was one thing she might never get really used to, Cait's crassness and love for sex talk. But the Irish fighter was also brutally honest and not one to mince words, which was definitely something Scarecrow loved.
"I'm trying to recreate this medicine I found in the Med-Tek Research Centre, called Prevent." Scarecrow explained, running a hand through her hair. "I managed to retrieve most of the research and I have enough ingredients and stuff. But I feel like I'm missing something here…."
"Oh, what does this Prevent do?" Cait asked.
"It's meant to cure this disease that has been affecting certain people. I don't know much about the disease, only that it causes blue boils to appear on the skin." Scarecrow answered. "So far, I only know about two people who have been affected, but I'm worried that more cases will appear."
"Treasure, you worry too much." Cait retorted with a shake of her head. "Ain't ever heard of a disease like that in all me years in the Commonwealth, and I doubt any doctor would've heard of it. Sounds pretty damn rare, is what I'm sayin'."
"But what if it suddenly becomes more common?" Scarecrow responded, a weary tone evident to her voice. "I'm trying to stop this disease dead in its track, before it becomes a problem. Only problem is that this damn research has suddenly came crashing still and I can't make any progress."
The Sole Survivor collapsed onto a nearby coach, the piece of furniture letting out an annoyed groan at its occupant. Silence slowly filled the room, before the sound of springs being compressed filled the air and an arm wrapped around Scarecrow's shoulders.
"Listen, cause I hate ta repeat myself." Cait announced. "You are the smartest lass I know, and that includes that synth Curie. You're also stubborn as fuck and I know you won't give up now. You'll dust yourself off and go back ta tackling this problem. So stop being a fucking whiny bitch and go kick this Prevent's arse."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cait." Scarecrow responded, a small smile on her face. "I really needed it."
Before the Irish fighter could respond, Scarecrow moved her head towards Cait's. The Sole Survivor's lips brushed against her lover's, just a feather light and hesitant kiss. The taste of whiskey and Addictol filled Scarecrow's mouth, causing her head to swim. A shiver went down Cait's spine, as she leant in and returned the kiss, her hands moving up and down her lover's body, before resting snugly at the back of Scarecrow's neck. The warmth of her hands was like fire against Scarecrow's skin, lighting a warm ache within her chest. The two of them just sat there on their beaten-up couch, wishing that this moment could last forever. After what seemed like an eternity, Scarecrow slowly pulled back from the embrace, her face flushed.
"I really needed that." The Sole Survivor stated.
"Well, we can continue this in bed." Cait retorted. "That is, if ya don't mind staying up all night."
Scarecrow looked at her lover, her eyes becoming as wide as saucers. But before she could respond, the door to the bedroom slowly swung open and a little boy appeared. With short brown hair and eyes that sparkled with intelligence, Shaun was the spitting image of his mother. And that shouldn't have been a surprise, given that the young synth was created specifically to look like Scarecrow.
"Mum, is everything okay?" Shaun asked, a frown on his face. "I heard noises and I thought something happened."
"Don't worry Shaun, everything's fine." Scarecrow responded. "I'm just having some alone time with Cait. You can go back to bed, honey."
The young synth looked at his mother and then at Cait, before a yawn escaped his lips and he started rubbing at his eyes. Shaun muttered something at his mother, before turning around and heading back to bed. As Shaun shut the door behind him, Cait reached over and wrapped her arms around Scarecrow's waist.
"Yeah, my research can definitely wait." Scarecrow stated, before leaning in and kissing Cait.
"Is something wrong, Hancock?" Scarecrow inquired.
Exhaustion coursed through the Sole Survivor's veins, spreading all throughout her body. It felt like her limbs were filled with lead, and it was taking a lot of willpower for her not to nod off here and now. She was glad that she was currently sitting, otherwise she'd have collapsed by now. Too many late nights up and not enough naps, that was her problem. Shaking her head slowly, Scarecrow turned her attention back to the only other occupant in the room.
"First time in two weeks I've managed to get a hold of you, given you've been locked inside of your house for ages. Hancock explained, an interested tone to his voice. "So either that Irish lover of yours is keeping you busy, or your research has hit one massive roadblock."
It was funny, in a way, her being friends with Hancock, just given how polar opposite they were. One was a drug-abusing Ghoul with a flair for the dramatic, while the other was a reserved pre-War housewife who preferred staying out of the limelight. But as with Cait, the Vault 111 native just found herself able to gel well with Hancock. The two just managed to always be on the same wave length about certain topics, with neither one stepping on the other's toes too hard.
"I've basically made no progress this week, unfortunately." Scarecrow muttered. "I keep on hitting roadblock after roadblock, and I'm practically ready to kill someone."
"Well I hope that isn't me." Hancock responded. "After all, I am the guy that's letting you live for free here in Goodneighbour."
"Oh trust me when I say I appreciate it, Hancock." Scarecrow said "Goodneighbour is basically the only place in the Commonwealth where I feel safe, funnily enough. At least here, people are upfront about wanting to kill you."
"Ain't that the truth, sister." Hancock replied, letting out a chuckle. "But if you're really struggling that bad, maybe you need a bit of assistance?"
"No Mentats, Hancock." Scarecrow huffed. "After all Cait's been through, I don't want to start using Chems. Plus I have Shaun to worry about, so I can't be like you and be as high as a kite all day."
"Ouch, you hurt my feelings Crow. If I still had tear ducts, I'd be crying a river by now." Hancock chuckled. "I actually have heard of a place, that might be of some assistance to you. It's a place real far from here, like you'd have to take a boat to get there. It's called Far Harbor, and that could very well be the place where you find some answers."
"Why would you say that?" The Sole Survivor inquired, eyebrow raised.
"Cause from what I've heard, deep on this island, is this sanctuary populated with synths. Synths who didn't go through the Railroad, but instead fled far off the grid to hide from the Institute." Hancock explained. "I'll admit, it's a longshot, but it could be of some help to you."
"How come I've never heard of it?" Scarecrow inquired.
"The people there are real isolated and prefer to stick to themselves." Hancock stated. "Plus very few people in the Commonwealth have possession of a proper working boat or a Vertibird, cause that's really the only way you'll get to Far Harbor. But luckily for you, our dear detective Nicky is actually planning a trip to the Harbor. He has a case that leads over there, and I know he wouldn't say no to you tagging along. So whaddya say, Crow? Ya interested?"
Scarecrow just sat there silently, a contemplative look on her face. After a few minutes, she slowly got up from her chair and nodded at Hancock.
"Well, looks like I've got a new mission." The Sole Survivor stated. "Next stop, Far Harbor."
And Chapter 4 of Commonwealth Blues is done and dusted! Next Chapter will focus on Sole Survivor Rourke "Hawkeye" Lorcan, so I hope to see you folks soon!
Love,
The Desert Dancer