Chapter 7

20 minutes before approaching Amata at Vault 101 Overlook

Saturday 18th March

Time: 13.23

When the rangers took the Lone Wanderer on the Vertibird they acquired from the war with the Enclave to take him back home, they caught up with everything that's happened over the years, Talking with Riley, Butcher, Sydney and occasionally to Brick who was focused more on flying the Vertibird and her beloved Eugene.

They talked about expanding the headquarters building more barricades and rooms above the compound since the increasing level of people they managed to recruit means they needed more room so expanding would be required. Most of the people signed up to them after hearing Three Dog on Gnr, comment on the Lone Wanderer saving them at the Statesman hotel and Vincent joining the group shortly after the rescue.

After speaking with the others Vincent wanted to spend more time catching up to his close friend Charon since he wasn't really in the mood and mindset in the last few week with Raider attacks and the caravan guard they met, Glen, losing his wife in the raider attack and helping him get his revenge at germantown.

Charon and Vincent mostly spoke on the rest of the journey back to the vault, reminiscing on all the times they pulled each other out of the fire and how quiet the ghoul was when when they first met, as time went on and after Vincent tore Charon's contract into scrap, He began feeling something he's never felt for a long time, freedom.

He stayed with him for some time after during his search for his father and having his back at the attack on Jefficion Memorial with the pride and The almighty Liberty Prime.

He decided to part ways after Vincent and the Brotherhood attack of Adam's Air Force Base. Quoting "I think I'll go back to Underworld, Heard i was quite the main Attraction to the ladies." Vincent chuckled before shooting back at him. "What lady would fall for your ugly mug." They both laughed at each other's banter before parting ways.

The Vertibird reached Springville which is now called New Springvale, Citizens of both Megaton and Vault 101 worked together to clean and establish it as a proper settlement, Building walls and renovating inside the buildings making it livable with each day. It made Vincent quite proud. He thought of his speech to Amata before he left for the troubles of the wasteland.

"You may see it as a wasteland, I see it as a vision, a vision of a city the people can rebuild into a civilised society where there's no need for killing, scavenging for food and scraps or living in poverty. My mother and Fathers dream was fresh clean water for all, free so that no one will die of thirst. I've achieved that. My dream is to make this wasteland florise, to see trees and plants blossom to what this city once did. To do that, vermin like the raiders, the slavers and the super mutants that chose violence over peace need to be eradicated. I'm just a weapon the people of the capital need." This reminder is what he was fighting for and will continue fighting for seeing communities come together and build a better future and one day can call this wasteland a city again.

At first he didn't think the Vaulties would ever work with the outside world so well. It originally shocked him when Amata told him the Vault Dwellers proposed the idea to turn Springville into a proper settlement, He was open to surprises after all the years wandering the wasteland, all these years he encountered many dangers then down right wacky stuff like Aliens, seriously Aliens, he always goes by the saying Quote "Look how often the unexpected happens, Yet we still never expect it." He finished his thoughts as it began to cloud his brain.

After landing in New Springville, Vincent said his goodbyes to the rangers and wished them to stay safe. Riley and her group of Mercs told him to not hesitate in calling them for help, He ended up getting a Brotherly handshake by Riley, Butcher, Donavon and Charon and last but not least got a kiss on the cheek and a flirty farewell from both Emiline and Sydney which he blushed imagining the what-if moment that could arise from there, no, he was Already claimed and he was more determined as hell to Marry Amata, the love of his life. Given recent events and his recent absence over the last few weeks, he had to repair things with Amata not ruin things like he has done so far. He quickly vanquished the thought of fantasy down as soon as it sprung up.

Vincent thanked them and realised just how many friends he made over the years in this apocalyptic wasteland, through quests he did for those that need help or joining the brotherhood, finding over time people he could call brothers, people he could die for without hesitation, it's one of the reason he was was willing to sacrifice his life at Project Purity, That and he couldn't let Sarah Lyons, his superior and unarguably his best friend within the Brotherhood, The fierce Women who helped and comforted him after losing his father sacrifice her life for his Father's dream, So he disobeyed her order and sealed himself in the control room to fulfil his father's dream.

After fulfilling the mission to defeat the genocide pricks who killed his father and tried wiping out all the inhabitants of the wasteland. Defeating them to bring fresh clean water freely just like his father wanted since he started project purity with Vincent`s mother, Catherine.

After the Enclave war was finished, He marked his father's grave at Jeffiction memorial, where it all started. It was a simple tombstone really, James Harris, 2226-2277, the quote from the christian bible that he installed in Vincent mind since his birth. Revelation 21.6. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give him a thirst for the fountain of the water of life, freely. He always loved to hear his father tell him that verse, one of the only times he paid attention. He took his time just laying there thinking about the good times they had, the bad times they had and the ugly times they had, it brought a smile and a tear to his face just looking back. When you lose the people you love, all you have is memories.

He just grabbed a bottle of old world whisky he found when scavenging the waste hoping to save it for a special occasion. He thought this occasion warranted a celebration before drinking straight from the bottle.

He made his toast and said as he looked at his Father's grave one more time, "Toast to the ones here today, Toast to the ones that we lost on the way" he toasted for the people he lost in his life and the people he still has in his life before spending the rest of the night next to his fathers grave and the night sky.

When Sentinel Lyons, leader of the Lyons pride, Alongside her Pride had returned to the imposing Citadel to report back to Elder Lyons about their latest mission. For Sentinel Lyons and her team, the return to the Citadel was met with mixed emotions. On the one hand, they were relieved to have successfully completed their mission and to be able to report back to their leader. On the other hand, the weight of the wasteland's troubles still hung heavily over them, the question of who fired that damn warhead still lingered in Sarah and the pride's mind. It will be the first thing shell report in the meeting.

Sarah stepped into the consul hall to report her findings, in the room her Father, Scribe Rothschild, Star paladin Cross, Paladin Tristden and

they knew that their work was far from done. As the group settled back into their routines at the Citadel, the quiet that had come over the wasteland remained, a temporary reprieve from the endless strife and struggle that defined life in the post-apocalyptic world. But even as they rested and regrouped, they knew that it was only a matter of time before they would be thrust back into action once again.

Meanwhile, Vincent, who had nearly succumbed to his injuries during the ordeal, found himself confined to the comforting embrace of the cosy vault he had once called home. As the days passed, Vincent's condition slowly began to improve, although the mutation had healed his body fast, mentally, he was tired and in need of a break.

He remained resolute on this break away from the life out in the wasteland to stay by Amata's side, the young woman who had captured his heart. The vault, once a place of refuge and safety, now seemed to hold a bittersweet charm for Vincent, as he spent more time there than he ever had before.

Over the course of the past two weeks since the Germantown raid, There was a curious quiet had settled over the Capital, a rare occurrence amidst the constant turmoil and upheaval that plagued the wasteland, Raiders sighted less and less over the two weeks, Rather unusual but welcome nevertheless.

Everyone was in high spirits as he took the stage for karaoke night, belting out the lyrics to "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. The raucous atmosphere was fueled by copious amounts of booze and liquor, as the partygoers let loose and danced the night away. Butch, Freddie, and Suzie were among those on the dance floor, each vying for a chance to steal the spotlight. Meanwhile, Amata watched the scene unfold from her perch on a barstool, sipping on a colourful cocktail. Despite the festive atmosphere, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. Perhaps it was the melancholic tone of the song, or maybe it was simply a sense of loneliness that crept into her heart. Whatever the reason, she found herself lost in thought, momentarily removed from the joyous revelry taking place around her.

"Be my, be my baby, be my little baby", karaoke night tonight as tipsy Vincent sings on stage, plenty of booze and liquor as he poorly sung 60s hit be my baby by the group Ronettes, it was a party all way round, butch, freddie and suzie was on the dance floor, both trying to get a bit of acton. Amata was sitting on a stool with a cocktail in her hand and an embarrassed grin on her face

Officer Gomez, now Amata`s second in command and bartender of this party poured another cocktail for the overseer, noticing the embarrassing look on her face "think you gonna need another, plus i think it's good to see him relax a tad bit given past few years of trouble. It's quite refreshing to see lighten up if i do say."

Amata just smiled and downed her newly pour cocktail, "i've never seen him this happy for a long time, i don't mind the the embarrassment but my god, as overseer, this will be the last time he steps up on stage, my ears are ringing.'' Amata barely contained her giggle. " I think it's time to kick him off the stage."

Amata stepped in front of the stage to talk to her lover, Vincent noticing soon after and sung louder as he spotted Amata approach. "I'll make you happy, baby, just wait and see, For every kiss you give me, I'll give you three Oh, since the day I saw you I have been waiting for you You know I will adore you 'til eternity'' Amata couldn't help but smile as she heard them words, if only he singing didn't cause her a massive migraine, she won't be trying to get him of stage but enough is enough.

"Vince babe, i'm sorry you can't sing to save a life, as overseer, i am ordering you to get off stage and have a dance with me, hows that sound." Amata tried to sound formal but couldn't hide the smirk that krept from her lips.

"Oh baby, that sounds really good but I'm not finished with this song, as the Lone Wanderer, I hereby refuse your request.'' He didn't have a chance of continuing the song while getting pulled off stage by his lover and overseer. Hearing the mic drop to the floor making a screeching noise in the process.

He couldn't help but laugh and pull her in for a kiss. "Babe, haha, see i wasn't gonna win that battle"

"Come on Vince, when have I ever lost a battle with you?".

"True that, talking battle but what about a physical battle, hmm, think you can take me." Vincents joked holding his muscular guns out in display earning a giggle from Amata as he pricked Amata`s elbow before kissing her cheek making her blush.

"God Vince i think you had abit to much drink."

"Not enough for my baby," In Vincent`s mind, he wasn't finished. " yo, gomez my little brudda, hit me another one, and get this fine broad over here one as well." Vincent shouted across the atrium, Gomez hearing and seeing Vincent, poured a Cocktail for Amata and another of Vincent usual Jack Daniel`s and coke, dropping one ice cube in it before placing it on the front of the bar.

Vincent downed his drink all in one before putting it on the bar and grabbing Amata arm and directing her to the dance floor.

As they stepped on stage, Vincent tried to remember them old romantic movies he used to smuggle as a kid, learning how to dance wasn't something he was taught to do, given the fact that the Overseer before banned any sort of entertainment like this.

Putting one hand on his lover`s waist and the other locked in Amata`s hand. He began slowly moving side to side to the beat before opening his mouth to speak.

"I wish all days were like this, not had this much fun in a long time," Vincent expressed his delight in a contemplative manner as he wished every day could be as enjoyable as this one. It had been quite some time since he had experienced such a high level of fun and enjoyment, it was a break from all the deaths he had to inflict in the wasteland. Moments like these he had to cherish, they don't come around often.

Not even allowing a reply, he grabbed Amata by the waist, held both of her hands and tried to reenact the dances in the old world films he used to watch. "" Wow, Vincent, didn't know you can dance," Amata pleasantly surprised as she moved her hips with him, shadowing him and letting him lead, he then spun her around and replied, " Well Cutie, I've always been a better dancer than a singer."

"Couldn't agree more," Amata replied, maintaining the rhythm and basking in the warmth of his embrace, feeling content and loved. They stayed like that for almost the rest of the night, losing track of time, Amata put both her arms around Vincent's neck and prepared herself for what she was about to say.

"Vince, with everything that has happened and your close call last time, Amata took a deep breath to calm her nerves and continued, "stay with me longer please, I don't want to lose." Amata finally built enough courage and spoke her mind.

Vincent never took his eyes off of Amata, the woman he loved more than anything else in the world. She had been his best friend since they were both toddlers, and as they grew into adulthood, their bond only grew stronger. They've had their rough patches with the exile sure but overtime, they both overcame it together.

Amata had always been there for Vincent as they were growing up as kids, helping him through tough times like he has her for all the time Butch and his buddies bullied her, Vincent always stepped up even when he would get beat up and covered in bruises and the end of the the days, he still smiled and got her out of tough situations, shell always stand by his side from now, no matter what.

In Vincent`s mind, her greatest act of kindness was when she woke him up when his father left the vault and the overseer goonies killed his father`s assistant Jones, a friend since his 10th birthday. She helped him escape from her father's tyrannical rule. It was a risky move, but Amata was brave and determined, and because of her, he managed to make a clean break from his oppressive regime and into the wasteland in search of his father.

His first moment he emerged himself to the outside world for the first time, basking in the enormous flare coming from the sun, as his eyes adjusted to see outside for the first time, he couldn't help but see the beauty of the destroyed world turned into ruins, Rubble and dead trees littering the wasteland and making out settlement spread out in the distance. From that point on, He didn't know wether or not he'll ever see Amata ever again

Vincent knew that he and Amata were truly meant to be together. He pledged his undying love to her, promising to always protect her and cherish her for the rest of their lives. And as he looked into her eyes, he knew that there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe and happy.

"You'll never lose me Amata, never," he took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm more motivated than ever to stay alive and always come home to you, Nothing would make me happier," Vincent said, his tone sincere and honest.

"I've never been happier than I am with you." He pulled her in for a kiss, then they continued to dance in perfect synchronisation with Amata's movements and rhythm. They stayed like that for the rest of the night in each other's embrace, wishing this night would be the one of many. He`ll sure as hell try though, before heading to their room, Vincent opened up one more time " and if you you want the wedding sooner rather than later, i'm all ears Beautiful" Vincent finished off.

"Fuck it, why not." Amata`s response was not like her but she didn't care, all she could right now was the man she loved dancing and embracing her right in front of her, they stayed until they felt sleep creeping in and headed for their quarters for the night.

The next morning, Pain, nausea, and the urge to hurl were the welcoming committee as he woke up in Amata's Quarters. It dawned on him just how much liquid courage he had knocked back the night before. His poor noggin felt like it was ready to blast off into orbit. But hey, at least he could find solace in the sight of Amata's voluptuous figure sprawled out beside him. Listening to her gentle snores and random mutterings, he couldn't help but think…"hmm, What a catch."

Embracing her curvy figure a bit tighter, he sweetly planted a kiss on her forehead and whispered, "Hey there, sleeping beauty. Good Morning!" His words woke her up, and she responded with an affectionate smile as she leaned in to lock lips with Vincent, who gladly returned the passionate embrace. "Morning, Prince Charming," she playfully greeted him.

"What dashing quest is my handsome future husband gonna be on today," Amata first to speak from their comfortable embrace.

"Well, well, well, Your Majesty! Brace yourself for the epic quest of this dashing, towering, brawny hero I am today. I'll be embarking on a perilous adventure to personally invite our nearest and dearest to our wedding. It'll be dangerous, gruelling and treacherous as I battle my way through hordes of peasants in a wasteland just to deliver a damn invitation! But worry not, my dear, for I shall return triumphant!" Vincent's Knight Acting and his goofy interpretation of a British accent brings tears of laughter to Amata`s eyes as she could help but giggle and laugh.

" My god Vince, you're so goofy when foreplay, I almost forgot you used to do theatre in the mess hall back in the early teens." Amata responded in happiness after finally getting her bearings back.

"Well, you certainly love my goofiness, and I too forgot about my art of acting and charm back then, I have certainly not lost touch."

"No, no you certainly have not." they both embraced once again before getting up for the day and getting changed in they usual attire, before Amata could put her pants on, Vincent grinned and gave her curvy behind a hard slap leaving her ass bright red, Amata voiced a big, "Oomph" before giving him a hard punch on his arm, He comforted his arm with his hand, still with a grin on his face only reply was a "Sorry sweet cheeks, couldn't help myself."

They continued getting dressed this time no nonsense, after getting changed Vincent went gathering his weapons and supplies to head out in the wasteland on his quest, Amata went to the Overseer's office for her boring job of ruling the Vault.