El Dorado Gas and Service station

A few kilometers North East of Novac

Finn grabbed Rachel's hand and pulled them both to the ground as their world turned into a raging vista of sand everywhere. He was careful to not change direction as they were already facing towards the front door of the nearby structure. He placed his mouth close to Rachel's ear as the wind buffeted their small bodies.

"Keep your mouth closed and breathe through your nose. Don't let go of my hand, I know the way. Let's go."

Finn leaned in close to Rachel's face so he could see her worried eyes and panicked expression but she just nodded and started to crawl along with him. They could only see a short distance but Finn led them without error to the front door of the abandoned station. He got her to stand up then Finn pulled out a key hanging on a chain around his neck. He opened the big padlock, took it off and brought it inside with them. Finn closed the door and engaged the 2 deadbolt locks on the inside of the door. He had installed them to secure this location while visiting. There were lots of good stuff he wanted to keep stashed here and good security was a must in these hard times. Finn led Rachel to a chair behind the front counter as she coughed out the stray sand particles that had flown in her nose and mouth.

"Do you have any water? Sorry I'm such bother, but you saved me from panicking."

Finn stood in front of the trembling girl and rubbed his chin in concentration.

"I did have some rations but I forget them at the Scrap Yard when I had to run after your angry self. That's too bad."

Rachel looked up at Finn's smirking face and tried to kick him, but the boy was ready for her reaction and jumped backwards.

"Why are you grinning like that? Maybe I don't want to be rescued if you're going to be mean."

"I'm not mean, just seeing how you'd react. Relax; I've got something for you."

Finn took off his bat hanging from the strap on his back and leaned it by the front door. While he went to the back storage room Rachel stared intently at his retreating form and tried to be mad, but when she noticed what he carried back Rachel wanted to jump up and hug this interesting boy for some reason. She was saved from what she believed a foolish reaction by her stomach grumbling.

"I thought we could eat some food. Enjoy."

Rachel drank down a bottle of room temperature water in a few eager swallows. After she breathed out a noise of contentment the famished girl eagerly started chewing on some gecko beef jerky and a dried banana yucca fruit while sipping from a dusty bottle of Sunset Sarsaparilla soda. She was done in a few minutes while Finn chewed on his food portion and drank some water while sitting on the floor. When he finished his meal Finn got to his feet and pulled a wrapped package from his belt clipped satchel pouch. Rachel stood up to grab it from his hand but Finn took a quick step backwards. He tripped and fell down. Rachel landed on top of him, still trying to grab the donuts.

"You've got Fancy Lads snack cakes? You've been holding out on me, Finn. No games or joking around from now on and we'll be good. No more deceptions."

"Fine, I'll be good. Please get off me so I can breathe again."

"Well, since you asked so nicely, okay."

Rachel smiled with much satisfaction as she rolled off Finn and got to her feet. She held her hand down to help him up. The two of them walked over to the counter and sat down in two old but sturdy chairs. Finn opened the package and passed Rachel 3 snack cake donuts, half of the rations.

"Rachel, I always wanted someone to share stuff with. I may act all confident but I'm very shy sometimes. I promise to treat you right, and I'll remember what you said. Do you still want to be my friend? I don't know how to act, never had one before."

Rachel choked a little as she swallowed another sip of her soda. She got her breath back and looked at Finn in surprise.

"Only if you'll be friends with me too. I've never had one either. My mom is very protective; I know she is wondering where I am now."

"We'll go back as soon as the storm blows over, don't worry. Of course I'm glad to be your friend, Rachel. We did fall into each other's way, can't go against that."

The two kids shared a laugh at his comment then Finn leaned over closer.

"I read about something kids did long ago before the war to make stuff binding. Hey, I love to read. Give me your hand."

The boy and girl each put out their right hand and Finn adjusted them so their pinkie fingers wrapped around each other.

"Now repeat what I say. Rachel, I pinkie swear to be your friend always, no matter what."

"Finn, I pinkie swear to be your friend always, no matter what."

They enjoyed their last donut cake together as a way of celebrating their official status. After they finished their soda drinks the sand storm stopped. Finn showed Rachel around the back room for a few minutes. He reached up to pull something down from a shelf just above his line of sight. Finn handed it to Rachel.

"I only have one of these right now but I will get you the other one soon. I know where to find more."

Rachel gladly took the offered gift and held it to her upper body.

"A sensor module, thanks Finn. You're turning out to be a very nice boy. I'm glad I didn't stay mad at you."

It was Finn's turn to laugh at her comment.

"Yeah, me too. I would not want to be your enemy."

"Then it's all settled. I'm going to hug you now."

Finn tried to protest but Rachel wrapped her tiny arms around his waist and put her face against his chest. The flustered boy felt strange being this close to another person, especially a girl that was not his mom. He realized that her warm body did feel nice. Even her unique odor was an exotic blend of new and familiar scents. Rachel suddenly pulled back with a concerned expression on her face.

"I wasn't thinking. I must smell something awful. It's time for a good bath when I get back to my home in Primm. Come visit me when I'm all cleaned up. Can we go now?"

"Hey, it's cool. You look just fine to me and my nose does not mind or care either. Where exactly do you live?"

"When you come into Primm from the east there is a water tower. Just past that turn left on the street. Mom and I live in the first house on the right. It's number 2, past some house debris remains."

"Okay, thanks Rachel. I'll come visit you within a week. Let's get you back to your mom now."

As they neared the front door Finn picked up his bat and slung it over his head and shoulder. The twosome walked out and he put the padlock back on the closed door. Both of them felt a new confidence and exciting feelings as they walked back to Novac.

5 days later

The Bison Steve Hotel, Primm

Some kilometers west of Novac

Finn eased the front door shut quietly and stayed in a crouch as he moved around to the back of the front desk counter. He waited for a few minutes and listened for any noises or voices in the immediate area. His objective was not far away and this was a scouting mission but he came prepared. Since his stepdad Burt Hummel was affiliated with the New California Republic army all Finn had to do was ask him what he wanted, and Burt would most times agree. After all, it was a brave new world out there, and even 10 year olds were considered almost grown up, especially if they helped the family with finding, fixing and selling old tech and junk like Finn did.

He was looking forward to visiting Rachel soon, but he remembered from a previous trip here seeing some items that she would highly covet and want. Finn had told Burt and Kurt all about her, and they were meeting him at Rachel's house shortly. Finn liked the feeling he got when Rachel smiled at him and wanted to feel it again. He wanted to be needed and useful to his friends and family, but this was something new. Finn felt he had to protect and be near this girl.

The confident but always cautious boy had on his black leather jacket that was worn over a layer of light ballistic armor, scaled down to his size. Any unknown person could just start shooting at him and Finn wanted as much bodily protection as was comfortable to wear. His regular plain baseball cap, worn tattered jeans and grubby tennis shoes completed his outfit. Stashed in his satchel pouch today were the only items he hoped to use against the rumored escaped prisoners that used this building for a hideout. It was worn on his right hip and another pouch that would be useful was strapped around his waist, worn on his left hip. Finn's 10mm pistol and knife were still in their respective shoulder holster and carry pouch, just in case. He wore an empty backpack to stash his loot in when he reached his objective.

The boy did not hear anything so he stood up and stepped carefully over to the archway that lead to the rest of the hotel. Finn flattened his body against one side and peered out. It was still clear, so he moved into the hallway that made a sudden right turn and peeked around the corner again. There were a few men walking around down the far end of the big main lobby room, but Finn waited until their backs were turned then ran across to the other side of the corridor into the gift shop. Near the back of the retail place were two of the objects he had come to take.

Finn eased off his backpack and opened it, then grabbed a few stuffed animals, a toy car, and a magazine to read later. There was a pair of usable sunglasses lying on the end of the counter he had not seen on his last visit. Finn secured them in an outer flap pouch of the backpack and put his arms through the flaps. Now he was ready to leave, but the cash register just had to be checked out first. The boy pulled out a screwdriver from a pocket and jimmied the drawer open carefully, trying not to make any noise. Finn pocketed a few bills of prewar paper money that he could convert into bottle caps and shut the drawer. It made a noticeable click which made Finn cringe in fear. Had those men heard that? A large form appeared in the doorway to the gift shop. Finn ducked down before the man had seen him closely but the motion was noticed by the newcomer. The main pulled up his submachine gun that hung from a shoulder strap and let loose a burst. Finn stayed low as a swarm of bullets hammered into the wall over his head.

"There's someone in the gift shop. I'll take care of them."

The man's patrolling partner turned to run the other way but answered back."

"Just hold'em Ken, I'll go get backup."

"Don't worry Chang, this one is mine. NCR scum!"

While their short conversation took place Finn already took out the two small canisters that were in his satchel pouch and pulled the pin on one of them. He tossed it backwards over the counter. It bounced once as the convict called Ken Tanaka tried to backpedal out the door. There was a huge burst of light and a loud concussive noise as his body slammed into the far corridor wall and crumpled to the floor. Finn followed up with the second canister, and then reached down to unpack his left side pouch. It was a gas mask, which he put on and stood up. He walked out into the corridor as the tear gas was already covering most of the immediate area and spreading rapidly. There were shouts of pain and confusion as several men rubbed their burning eyes and retreated back into the ball room where they had been talking. Finn ran through the lobby and out the front door.

The boy pulled off his mask and continued running across the street. He dove through the window of a house near his intended direction, as the glass was long gone or shattered into tiny pieces. Finn lay hidden within the rubble of the deserted structure for 10 minutes, but did not hear any voices or detect footsteps or pursuit from the hotel. The boy stood up and tried to dust himself off to be more presentable. Finn made his way back outside through another window sill and casually walked around to the front of Rachel's house.

The Berry residence, Primm

A short time earlier

There was a knock on the door so Shelby motioned Rachel to stand by the couch as she checked to see who her visitors were. When she opened the door there was a man and boy standing there. The older male spoke first.

"Hello. You must be Rachel's mom Shelby. We sent you a message by courier a few days ago, but did not hear anything back. I'm Burt and this is my son Kurt. Finn is supposed to meet us here. I'm not sure where he is right now. May we visit for a while?"

Shelby was very surprised by the polite tone of this man. Most people these days were very rude or did not care what happened to anyone in these trying future times. She motioned the two males inside. The boy ran over in front of the brunette girl. He held a package in his left hand. Kurt waved a greeting then held his other hand out.

"Glad to meet you Rachel. I'm Kurt and this is my dad."

"Hi Kurt. So you're Finn's brother? Isn't he with you? I know it's been a few days but I miss talking with him."

The two kids shook hands as Kurt laughed at the girl's excited comment.

"Don't worry, he'll be here. I've been so curious wondering about you Rachel. Finn's got you on the brain as we wastelanders say, he misses talking with you too."

Rachel had a big grin on her face as Shelby motioned Burt to sit down on the couch.

"Rachel, show Kurt your room. I'll send Finn in when he gets here."

When the two kids went into the adjoining room and closed the door Shelby walked into her little kitchenette that was part of the living room.

"We don't have much, some canned food and water, but it's rad free of course. Sorry I can't heat it up for you Burt."

"That's all right Shelby, some water would be great. I'm partial to some pork and beans if you got them."

"Sure, let me make you up a bowl."

Thanks for having us here. Why don't you and Rachel come visit next time you're in Novac?"

Shelby gave Burt a half-filled bowl, spoon and water bottle before sitting down at the kitchen table. She considered her answer carefully before replying.

"Don't get me wrong, but I'm not used to kindness from strangers. I mean someone I just met. We do go to Novac sometimes for trading purposes, so yes, we'll stop by sometime. I just like to be careful."

Burt nodded in reply as his mouth was full of food. He took a good sip of water and cleared this throat.

"I understand. I thought you would be harder to convince. I'd never hear the end of it otherwise because Finn would keep after me until you and Rachel would visit. Your daughter has made a loyal friend, and Finn is a good boy. He's hardworking and trusting, and will look after her."

"That's my job, but I'm glad to have any help doing it. Rachel can be very strong willed sometimes, well most times. Sometimes I think I'm the child."

"You're doing a great job. Thanks for the beans again, very tasty."

Back in Rachel's room she showed Kurt her crayon drawings scrawled on the wall. The only other things were a beat up mattress lying on the floor, a dirty sheet over it and a crooked looking clothes dresser. The mirror was cracked but still useable. Rachel turned to look at Kurt with a depressed but also proud face.

"Well, this is it, not much, but I try to draw sometimes. I have a few books and crayons in the top drawer, but I mostly use my imagination to entertain myself. Oh, what's in the box?"

Kurt held his package in both hands in front of him but make no move to hand it over yet.

"This is for you, Rachel. After talking with Finn I knew you'd be a cool person. You can put it on your dresser."

Rachel had all kinds of exciting images running through her head as she took the package from Kurt and opened the box. She pulled out a medium size scale model of a T-Rex. Her face lit up with joy.

"It's Dinky the dinosaur! Just like the big statue in Novac. I've always wanted to buy one from the gift shop there. How did you know?"

"Let's just say Finn has good hearing. But I picked it out."

Rachel walked over to her dresser and carefully placed the dino action figure on the flat top section. Her eyes seemed to mist over, and it was hard to talk.

"Are you okay? I didn't want to make you sad."

"Thanks Kurt. I'm just stunned that anyone these days would do something thoughtful like that. First Finn and now you."

Her bedroom door opened at that moment.

"Did I hear my name?"

"Finn, you're finally here! Come in."

The leather clad boy closed the door behind him and took off his backpack. He opened it while looking around the room. Finn noticed the new addition to the girl's dresser.

"Cool. I see that Kurt has given you his gift. Here's something from me, now your new buddy can have a friend too."

Finn walked close to Rachel's dresser and pulled out a stuffed teddy bear from his backpack. Rachel drew in a quick intake of breath as he arranged the toy to sit close to the T-Rex. Finn stepped back to inspect his handiwork while putting the backpack on the floor next to the door.

"Rachel, now you can have both me and Kurt with you, whether we're actually here or not. You'll never be alone."

As Finn turned to see her reaction Rachel ran over to him and hugged the boy tightly. He felt again her comforting body heat and very pleasant aroma. Kurt made an irritated noise and threw his hands up in frustration.

"Can I get in on some of this? I want to be your friend too, Rachel."

Rachel shyly pulled away from Finn and gave Kurt an excited hug.

"Of course you can. That would make me very happy."

There was a knock at the door then it opened. Burt stood in the entryway.

"Time to go guys, got to pick up some trade goods and get back home. Nice to meet you Rachel."

The 3 kids said their goodbyes but Kurt noticed how Finn and Rachel shook hands, with their pinkie fingers wrapped around each other. His face was set in concentration as Kurt led the way outside with Finn and Burt following close behind. Shelby and Rachel waved then closed the door.

The three males walked over to the trade caravan set up near the bridge leading to the southern part of Primm. One of the traders walked up to Burt.

"You all be careful. Those Powder Gangers holed up in that hotel are very angry. They swear the NCR is sending soldiers to attack them. Any more incidents and its total war. Just stay clear of them and it'll be okay."

Finn's face remained passive but he was only half paying attention. Rachel's scent and presence were still with him. He was confused about his feelings, and even when occupied with other chores his mind would wander back to pleasant thoughts of her without any effort at all. All he knew for sure was that he was happier when she was nearby.

Kurt's face changed into a big smile and he poked his brooding step brother in the side with a finger.

"Finn's got a girlfriend!"

"Shut up, bro. You're crazy. Rachel's my scavenge partner, and a friend. She's in this for the loot like I am. It's cool."

"Whatever. Just treat her right. She's special."

Finn looked back at the front door of the hotel and grinned.

"That she is."

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