(Cain)

The ceremony is nothing short of beautiful. Lights on strings, powered by a generator, flow from home to home above us. The air smells fresh, after we had a small shower of rain to diminish the hot desert heat. Billie Holiday sings a song on the radio, about moving mountains, and being called crazy in love. Gob stands between Charon and Dez, and all three smile. Dez cries tears of nervousness and happiness. She wears a white pre-war dress, ripped in areas, but befitting of the time we're in. Charon has on a suit, and although he has a calm disposition, he still looks threatening. They chose Gob to marry them, since he's been with them their entire time out here, and knows them better than anyone.

Dizzy stands beside me, watching with wide eyes. The whole day, after she spent some time with Charon, she followed Dezbe around, asking questions about their life together. For the first time, Dez shared an uncensored version of the story with her. Although there wasn't much time for talk, Dez told her what she could, making the tale of her parents even more romantic and adventurous. She came to me, awestruck and in shock. She asked if I knew it all, knew the full story word for word. When I told her I did, all Diz could do was shake her head, and say it was simply amazing. Everyone around us is quiet, listening to Gob speak about how long Charon and Dez have been together, and all their hard times, and laughs. The more he speaks, the more I find this Billie Holiday song befitting. I smile, proud and happy for them. They finally have their happy ending.

Glancing down at Dizzy, I see there's tears in her eyes. The lights twinkle and sparkle, some dripping with leftover rain. The entire atmosphere of Megaton right now, is beautiful and serene. Dezbe and Charon hold hands, as they stand facing one another. I feel Dizzy's hand clasp mine, and squeeze. She's just as nervous as Dezbe, although at this point, there's not a thing that could go wrong. Zack stands to my right, smiling as he remembers his own memories of Charon and Dezbe.

"…And with that, I officially unite you as husband in wife, in this post-apocalyptic wasteland, so that not even death can tear you apart."

Everyone cheers, while Charon and Dezbe share a deep loving kiss. Charon hides it well, but I catch a quick glimpse of tears on his face. Tears of happiness, for the man who never believed any of this would be possible for him. We all clap, holler, and shout praise and joy for the two of them. Although marriage out here is different than pre-war, or so I've heard, it meant a lot to Charon to marry. Dezbe might finally have some relief at being able to call Charon her husband now, instead of 'partner' or 'boyfriend'. There was nothing stopping her before, but she once told me in the vault, one did not call another their husband until a marriage ceremony took place.

A large feast has been prepared. Well, large by our standards, anyways. We don't have the resources to build a table large enough to seat every citizen, so instead we stand, enjoying one another's company, bringing chairs from our own homes to form small groups of people. Beer, vodka, and pure water floats around as common as air. Dizzy can't stop talking about how beautiful it was, about how pretty Dez looked, and how happy she is. How one day, she wants to do just the same thing, and have a Wasteland marriage. I just smile at her, sharing her happiness, simply not expressing it. We don't have much time to chatter, because soon it is time for the toasts. Zack stands up at the old saloon, while we were sitting in the crater and around it. He towers above everyone, and his voice is loud enough for everyone to hear. From within the crowd of faces, I find Dezbe and Charon. Before Zack begins officially, I drag Dizzy to them. They hug us, cry tears of happiness, and smile. Dizzy holds my hand tightly, as we all, stand and listen to Zack speak.

"What most of you probably don't know, is that I wouldn't be here today, if it weren't for Dez and Charon. As an infant, my home was raided by Brotherhood Knights. We lost everything. Underworld was destroyed, and my mother died protecting me. They took me from my father, as bait to lure Charon and Dez to them. What they didn't know, is that Charon and Dez do not negotiate with our modern-day terrorists. I was returned to my father, happy, healthy, and unknowing that anything had gone wrong. Growing up, I have nothing but the fondest memories of Charon and Dez. From learning how to defend myself, to feeling safer than I ever felt before. Together, they not only saved my life, but the lives of many, and we owe them much more than we could ever offer. To see them happy, free, and without fear for the first time in their lives, brings joy to me, and everyone they know. It's about time you two got some rest. Though I highly doubt Dezbe will be letting him rest once the honeymoon begins…"

Everyone laughs and claps. Dezbe's face is wet with tears, as Charon puts her arm around her. Dizzy tugs my sleeve, and I look down at her.

"I never knew that!"

She hisses, excited like a child first discovering a Gatling Laser.

"You'll be hearing a lot more."

"Really?"

I nod at her, as Gob takes Zack's place. Pointing up, I nudge her.

"Listen, and stay here."

It would be wrong of me to not also say something. Because like Zack, I wouldn't have lived, if it wasn't for Charon and Dez. And despite how life was given to me, I am still eternally grateful that I am able to live in a free world, instead of the one I was created in.

Standing against the old saloon, I look down at everyone, as a smile creeps over my face. Gob looks back at me, a bit nervous, and I give him a confidant look. He nods, and turns to face the crowd.

"I met Dezbe when she was nineteen, and fresh from the vault. For someone raised in seclusion their whole life, there wasn't much fear in the blood-splattered girl who walked into Moriarty's so many decades ago. Charon, was one of the founders of Underworld, and alongside him and many others, I worked. I knew him as a human, knew him as we both transgressed into ghouls, and until I left Underworld. I was surprised, the day Dez came in, Charon in tow. I didn't expect them to part ways. I never expected them to do anything less than fall in love. Because when you live, as long as I have lived, and seen all there is to see, you pick up on things others don't realize. Charon and Dez were in love, before they even knew what love was. When they chased one another all across the Wasteland, to when they stayed in on those rare nights of peace. Although they parted many times, and spent years apart, deep down I knew that they would either live together, or die alone. There would never be another person in this Wasteland, this world, whom could measure up to the other. And so, I can't express how happy I am for them. How thankful I am to have met them both, and how much gratitude I have for all the things they did for me along the way. I never would have gotten out of Colin's agreement, or been able to fall in love with Nova, had it not been for Dezbe. Never, would I have been able to see my child, if Charon hadn't blown the world to bits looking for him. I owe you two fucks my life, and damned I'll be if I ever admit that again. Congratulations you two. Just, don't get mad and start blowin' up shit again."

People laugh at Gob, clap, and smile. He turns to me, wiping a stray tear from his face. I think this is the first time I've heard how much Charon and Dez truly mean to the people here, and how much they changed the lives of everyone they came across. Good or bad, they did change lives, and the end result is nothing but positive.

"Your turn, kid."

Gob shakes my hand, and I give him a nervous smile.

"Do I even have a right?"

I ask, since aside from Dizzy, I've known them the shortest time.

"You have more of a right, than anyone else here. And I'm sure it'd mean a lot to them. They raised you."

"Yeah, they did."

It's just nerves, really. I've never spoken in front of a crowd, and I can feel my heart thumping in my chest. But that thumping, reminds me I'm not just an advanced android. It also reminds me, that I am human. And I wouldn't be a human, had it not been for Charon and Dezbe. Walking to the edge of the walkway, I place my hands on the rails, and look down. Instantly, I spot Dizzy, Dez, and Charon. They look up at me, and Dezbe gives me a reassuring look. As if she's still my mother, and telling me it'll be okay. I can't help but crack a smirk.

"…I've known Charon and Dezbe the shortest, except Dizzy. As you all remember, I once called them my mother and father. For good reason, too. When I was five, I lived in a place that created slaves. Slaves for combat, and self-success. You were not a person, where I was created, you were a number, and a number that could easily be replaced. It was a terrible place, and I feared it there, even though I was so young. One day, things were different. Everyone was on edge, and although we were all just small children, we knew something was not right. Sure enough, by the time lights out came, the place was madness. Us children, we didn't know what to do, so we hid together, beneath our beds, and waited. We didn't wait for very long, because the door opened, and Dezbe stood in the doorway. I was terrified of her. Her wild hair, scarred body, and especially of the gun in her hand. But when she spoke, any fear we had, fell short. And it was me, she picked up. Me she chose to take with her. She protected me that night. Charon, through all the chaos, didn't argue her choice. Although I remember him saying I was not a puppy, and could not be picked from a litter to be taken home. But she took me home. And when I told them, why I was so special, they took me in. Cared for me as their own. They gave me a life, that I never would have had, if I stayed inside that facility. They taught me things I never would have learned, watched me grow, and supported me. Although now, circumstances have changed, and I no longer call them mother and father, to me, they'll always be my parents. I'll always love them, and carry their words of advice with me. I don't think, there's a person here, whose life hasn't been changed for the better because of them, and I'm happy to finally see that they've also found the peace, they fought so long and hard for."

I'm shaking with nerves by the time I'm done. And shakily, I walk down to meet them in the crowd. More people speak, but I don't hear what they're saying. Instead I find Charon and Dez and Dizzy. I find them, and we hug one another.

"You'll always be a son to me, Cain."

Dezbe tells me, and I hug her tighter. A life. A family. A chance to learn, to grow, to fall in love. A chance to live. They gave this to me, without asking anything in return. I guess I never realized just how lucky I was, until tonight. I feel Charon's hand squeezing my shoulder as we all part. Dizzy smiles up at me, her short hair a mess.

"Dezbe, I have something for you."

Charon says as the last person stops speaking. She looks at him, confused.

"If we're supposed to get one another gifts, you're going to be severely disappointed…"

Dezbe says, and Charon laughs. Dizzy motions for me to follow her, and I figure it wouldn't hurt to sneak away from the party for a bit. When we're a bit away from the crowd, and closer to our home, she lets out a sigh.

"I never knew mom and dad did all that stuff like that."

"Diz, you knew the story."

"Yeah, but it's different hearing it from other people's perspectives."

"That's true."

"And we don't get any weddings in Megaton, so I guess this is kind of a big deal."

I'm about to say something, when something catches my eye. It's past midnight by now, and the moon is high. The shadows that the lights emit make it hard to see beyond the invisible property line of Megaton, but sure enough, I can see the outline of three figures. I left my gun inside, but hearing the familiar sound of clicking, I notice Dizzy didn't. She keeps hers on her hip at all times now, and has it aimed at the shadowy figures.

"Who's there?"

I call, and they take a few steps forward. I see now, they have no weapons. One has a bat, but that's nothing to be scared of. They're dressed in blue jumpsuits. Ones I recognize from the vault. I take my hand and place it on Dizzy's gun, lowering it. The people step closer, a male, and two females. They seem scared, and disheveled.

"We come from Vault 101…we…we left and wanted to see the outside world. We saw light coming from this place. We figured, it'd be safe here."

A woman with blonde hair says. Dizzy looks at me, more confused than anything. Her statement already told us why they're here, but right now I don't know if I should interrupt Charon and Dezbe's celebration for business. They never really get to have time off around here, and this seems unfair.

"It is safe here. What're your names?"

I ask them, as Dizzy holsters her weapon. The blonde says her name is Christine, the brunette, Amy, and the man, Jacob.

"Is there an Overseer here?"

An Overseer is like the president of a vault. Jacob asks the question, trying to be brave, but I can tell he's about as brave as a two-year-old facing a Yao Guai.

"A mayor, but tonight is his wedding celebration."

I tell them, and they seem to relax a bit. Dizzy grabs my arm, and pulls me down to whisper in my ear.

"They've never seen ghouls before."

That realization crosses my mind. And it isn't good. I know Charon is more than capable to deal with three runaways from a vault, but it might ruin the celebration. Quickly I formulate an idea.

"There's a common house in town, where people can rest and stay for free. Currency out here are bottle caps, and you'll need a gun. You can work in the town, to earn some money, or trade what you have. But you've lived in the vault for your entire lives, there are people out here you haven't seen or encountered before. Tonight is a night of celebration, and although you're scared, if you do anything to ruin it, we here will not hesitate to kill you."

"People…people kill out here?"

Christine asks me, scared and obviously shaken.

"Yes. There isn't law here. If you don't like it, I suggest returning to the vault."

Folding my arms in front of my chest, I stand closer to Dizzy. Through the fright I can see Jacob looking her up and down. It could be from sheer curiosity, but I don't want to take my chances. They chose to arrive on the one night where things are to be happy and carefree, and the last full night Dizzy and I have before we leave for New Vegas. Their timing isn't the best.

The three of them share uneasy glances, but decide to stay anyways.

"Can we join in the celebration?"

Sighing, I nod.

"I'll lead you to the mayor. He's also the sheriff."

"What's he look like?"

I glance at Dizzy as Christine waits for an answer. She nods her head and goes to talk to the three vault escapees as I lead them all towards the music and crowd. A gasp behind me as we reach the edge of the crater tells me that Dizzy has just explained to them what a ghoul is. I shake my head, smirking as my hair falls in front of my eyes.

It takes a bit, but soon I find Charon and Dezbe. There's a piano in front of Dez, nothing big, and by the looks of it stolen from a vault. Which one I can't say. All I can say is that she's happy as she bounces around it in her white dress. Charon stands, watching her with his back to us. I stand beside him, not wanting to tell him about the newcomers on his wedding night.

"Dizzy and I found three Vault 101 escapees at the edge of town, near our house. They're with us now."

He looks at me, and I see the anger flash in his eyes. Turning around, we face Dizzy and the vault people. They stare at Charon, scared, shocked.

"That's my dad, mayor and sheriff of Megaton."

Dizzy says proudly, if not smug. Charon looks at them, and I hear Dezbe calm down to figure out what's going on. It's then I realize this isn't Charon's job, but Dez's. She came from the vault, and by association, it's her job to deal with them. So much for festivities. She pushes through myself, Charon and Gob, to stare at them.

"The offspring of Wally Mack, Freddie Gomez, and Christine Kendall. Who knew those three could make kids brave enough to leave the vault? Well, Freddie was always depressed in there. Guess his genes passed on."

The three people stare at Dezbe, who defiantly folds her arms in front of her. It seems, when she has to be brave and strong, her scars shine a bit more brightly. Especially the ones on her face.

"How do you know my mother?"

Christine, the blonde, demands. Jacob, pulls her vault suit, trying to signal her to calm down in the midst of all the people, noise, and general atmosphere.

"We're born in the vault, live in the vault, and die in the vault. That's such a stupid saying. I got out of there fast as I could."

"You're lying, we've never seen you around, and you can't be much older than us."

It's the second thing Amy has said since arriving. Dizzy stands in front of me, trying to mimic her mother.

"I'm a lot older than you think. Same age as Amata, though I think she just recently passed away…never got use to it out here anyways. Should have stayed in the vault."

"I don't believe you. You can't be from the vault. How do you look so young?"

Amy asks, now certain she can't cause a scene, but wanting to regardless.

"That's a long story. And one I don't want to share. I just got married and you three didn't pick the best of nights to show up. So are you going to stay or go? Because I'd really like to get back to my gift and my new husband until tomorrow."

The three of them share glances. Jacob nods, and takes center stage.

"We'll stay. We won't cause any trouble."

"Then hand over your bat."

He shakes his head at Dezbe, clutching the bat tighter. Charon steps forward, his body language is terrifying.

"Give me the bat, or I'll kill you where you stand."

Jacob relents, and soon things resume as normal. The citizens recognize them as newcomers, and figure their pleasantries can wait until morning. When Dizzy and I feel it's safe enough to sneak away again, we do.

"Think it's going to cause trouble, having them here?"

She asks as we sit atop the sniper perch rebuilt above our home.

"I can't imagine it will. Vault people don't usually leave, or chase after people who do."

"And here we all just wanted one night of peace and quiet."

"We get many nights of peace and quiet, Diz. You're just curious about them."

"True, true. But still."

She moves towards me, and we kiss.

"Mom and dad won't be back for a while, I don't think…"

"They're spending the night in the Wasteland. They want their alone time."

I know exactly what she's hinting at.

"That means we get alone time, too."

All in all, tonight was a success. Tomorrow Charon and Dez will have to deal with the newcomers, and Dizzy and I have a lot to gather for our venture into New Vegas this week. But tonight, we'll take for ourselves. With the stress and the energy preparing for everything, we both figure it's time for an intimate break. I can't say I'm arguing that, either.