Alright people we are getting into the final stage…not final chapters because I kinda counted how much they will be and I expect ten or more…
If you are very very very delighted with one fic and want a continuation I didn't write or post you can donate me at least $5 bucks, most of this fics have next chapters I don't finish because lack of motivation but hey a $5 is a $5, I see a few reviews and coments that fics that are abandoned months laters receive coments of wanting to know what happends next. Here it is, I finished my handling with you all, enjoy the fic
Four days later, the sentinel arrived to the airport, there was already an alert around the soldiers just in the entrance: if anyone spots the sentinel no matter the place she should be escorted to the elders quarters immediately. But she arrived first in the airport nothing less. If it would be possible, it would be just a matter of seconds for her to be in front of Arthur but in reality getting into the Prydwen does takes some minutes, but as soon she was out in the zeppelin deck…some knights in power armor and machine guns went to receive her.
-Welcome home sentinel –both said.
-This is not necessary –she wasn't intimidated at all, but still, followed them to the elders quarters.
The last time she was around she had an intense need to puke and now it wasn't any different, difference was that before it was the disgust and now the nerves but…
When the door of Arthur quarters open, she saw him just standing there, in silence, Nora walked forward until the door close behind her back. Both stay there, in silence, until the man ran to hug her and hide his face in her neck.
-You said you'll be soon when we separated at Sanctuary, I wanted to have dinner together that night and you left…-a hand of her posed in the back of his head, Nora wanted to cry too, he can tell by the sound of her breathing and her muscles twitching between his arms.
-Arthur im pregnant –she just said out and loud, the man gasped surprised not for the revelation actually but about hearing that words came out from her mouth and hug her tighter.
-I know –he said wanting to cry too, being apart for so long and reunite in this shitty situation also stressed him a lot, it burned his nerves.
-You don't get it –he heard and felt how she wanted to separate, the man just hug her tighter, not wanting to separate at all, not again, not for so long.
-I already know! –he screamed, making the woman freeze in her place of terror- you left sick and I was so worried, then I found out that you are out there alone and…
-And pregnant Arthur! That's what I am right now! –she pushed him back pulling his torso away with her hands and he could see her red face and watery eyes.
-Its okay –he said low and calm, to reassure her, lifting his back to gain some composure, taking a few breathes- it will be all okay.
-No! nothing is going to be okay! This is awful! –her eyes closed in rage and there she was, finally crying, letting a sea of tears go down her cheeks and neck.
-Nonono is not like that, we can manage, its going to be just fine…-her chest was going up and down so quick that he feared she could get into a nervous attack and collapse- you don't have to worry about anything
-You don't get it –she said turning her head back looking up, trying to avoid weeping like a little girl, she had composure, she had the nerve, she can do this.
-You don't have to worry at all! –his hands went to grab her shoulders and she just looked to other side, using one of her hands to grab his, clenching her teeth and biting her tongue.
-Im not doing this! I cant!
-If you are scared we can do this together, you are not doing this alone –all the time his light blue eyes tried to connect with her chocolate ones, until she cant take it anymore and separated, taking a deep breath to talk with a broken voice.
-I cant do this, I cant be a mom again
She just said that, and Arthurs mind went on blank.
-I love you –the womans eyes open wide, hearing her gasp loud off her throat- I know this is a horrible moment to say it , I tried to find the perfect situation before but I didn't have the guts, I love you a lot, I love you so much it hurts. I love you Nora
She stood where she was standing and then give three steps backs before covering her face with her hands.
-Is not about you…its not about you at all…-he could hear her runny nose as she breathed loud and with difficulties- I also…I also….but I cant do this!
-Yes! Together we can! –the man run to lift a bit her arms and take away her hands from her face, letting a couple of tears drop down on the ground, she was crying hard, even the tip of her lips turned red from all the discomfort and suffering.
-I love you Arthur Maxson! I love you too! I love you so much! But I will not do this! I not going to be a mother again! –his heart jumped off his chest and broke, he wished to hear that words for so long but surely never in company of that second sentence, it was everything he wanted but not like this, it hurt, loving her hurts so much.
-I know this is not the life you want! –he screamed trying to not let her drown on her own tears and sadness- you hate the wastelands, you hate the food, you hate the water, the air, the nature and people…-he can understand if she didn't want to raise a kid like this to bring someone to suffer into this world, but this was the world he can give her, and sadly it was going to be like this much much longer after they left
-Its not that! I can't be a mom again please! –she keep saying I can I can't I can't…what?
-Is there something wrong? –he look at her from head to toes, caressing her shoulders trying to soft her shell and make her talk and explain- are you sick? Ill? Something hurts? Nora I really want to understand, if you love me…
Again, she push him away, especially at hearing that last one, it wasn't about him, it wasn't about anyone right now, how can anyone being so inconsiderate…
-I kill my own son Arthur! –she screamed, taking a few steps back, trembling with a huge headache, her stomach feel like a tornado and she felt the acid at the top of her throat, almost to trow up- I see the kind of monster he become…and I kill him –the man mouth was dry, his lips stick together at the point they were painful to separate and he felt a huge punch in his chest -I should supported him, forgive and try to understand more since I wasn't around for him…recovering time with him should be my priority…but I killed him –just hearing her conflict and pain felt awful –im a horrible mother, I can't do this again –truth is that no matter how bad Noras pain make him feel…he didn't understand anything.
-Your kidnapped baby? Shaun? –damn it was a miracle he memorized that name, she nodded and take a big breath but he was more confused than ever- but that was 210 years ago…-when he said that the woman moved to the door, looking at her hand on the door make the man enter in panic, nonono she can't go again, she can't disappear, she can't left him –Nora wait I know you feel awful but I trust your judgment, and even if you don't think is was the best movement you are on your right to believe and digest it –when her head turned at him, his eyes fill with hope- but this has nothing to do with that.
-Yes it does, what kind of mother do you expect me to be after killing my own son? I look bellow every rock in the Commonwealth and find him, just to end up killing him –her head was hurting bad, all that yelling and crying was giving her an unvereable pain…
-I don't expect anything, you have nothing to worry about –he could see she was in physical pain too, from the way her eyebrows crossed and her eye ticked by times, same with the trembling in all her body, she was having a nervous crisis and he had to pass it as best as possible- you and our kid will live as Queen and prince or princess of the Prydwen, nothing is going to harm or affect any of you. Ill make sure to protect my family
-I cant do this –she just said again, he understand her trauma, not the circumstances but yes the fear, still, he wanted to do it.
-This is the best thing that could happened to us together, your past has a reason but you will be an excellent mother, I don't doubt a second of it –he tried to approach her, slowly. Coming closer.
-I cant –she said firmly, Arthurs lips twisted and crossed in anguish clearly disgusted.
-Then why are you here? What do you want from me!? –Nora didn't expect that type of response but she understand she was pushing hard on him and this was a difficult talk to keep good responses
-I need help! I need your help! –Arthur step back. Nora scream that out loud and without any doubt, she was here exactly for this and she wouldn't go back, now it was impossible.
-Help? –he said low, thinking, processing her words, taking carefully each of them- you want my help to…-get an abortion? His lips stop talking, his mind completed the sentence, feeling a boom inside his chest, turning his back on her for the first time in so long. No. Nonononono- No. I cant believe you dare to ask me this –he would never expect this from her and the love he thought they had from each other.
-Arthur please this isn't about you! –each of her words stab him in the chest like a dagger. Why? Whywhywhy
-Im so sorry about what happened to you in the past –he could saw she was at the edge of leaving, and if he couldn't do anything about it, it was fine, it was now fine, he wasn't going to support this- but I cant believe you don't think me capable of protecting my family, of providing good, both of you.
-I love you Arthur Maxson, deeply –that last word hit him hard on the chest, but it was nothing compared with all the pain and reject- but I cant do this again, not at yours or anyones side, no matter in which time. –she could saw too that there was no way of convincing him.
-I know you cant forgive yourself –was this a goodbye? He didn't know, at first he didn't want her to leave but now…there wasn't a way to agree and be together, and he wasn't going to stay neutral in this, it was a huge no. No matter her safety or wellbeing, just no, he cant – and its okay, you are on your right to feel like you need, but I think you did good, and if you need it, I do forgive you.
-You don't know the whole story –she nasty way she responds that make him roll the eyes, well yeah if she never told him or clarify a thing.
-I just know that despite what happened, you were a good mom, and im sure youll be again.
-Im not going to –the man presses his lips hard trying to swallow the anger.
-Then im not with you on this subject
He didn't look at her, but heard how the door open and she left the room.
Luckily, hours later, he found she was still on the zeppelin on her quarters. This wasn't a coincidence at all, she was asking for his visit, she still wanted to talk, and he wanted to do it also…well he wanted to convince her that's the whole truth theres no way she can get an abortion…from him.
He stood in front of her door for some minutes, waiting for words to came out of his mouth more naturally, thinking more clear on what he wanted to say but…he knocked with bravery, ravishing the door like he did other times. She open, but first stood there frozen looking at the red buldge he was holding.
-Are those…roses? –Arthur can see how her eyes turned brighter, making stars of joy in the same way he saw a lot of chances before. Everytime Nora had the chance to experience a little of the prewar world, she shines, became a total different person, it didn't matter if it was a donut or a pair of shoes, she suffered a lot from nostalgia of her past.
-Can I come in? –she nodded and moved, Arthur went inside looking down but still feeling her eyes on his hands- when you talk me about the flowers of the wasteland…I asked Nerea to try to imitate or clon old roses, this are just testing subjects don't have any smell but I think they are pretty accurate –he lift the bouquette and Nora grab it, examing it, paying attention to detail.
-Roses never smell much, this are just saplings right? Looks small and closed –Arthur saw her face, she looks mesmerized. But then put attention to her face, her eyelids were inflamed, her chin, cheeks, nose and lips were all red…she really cried a lot even if she wasn't doing it now.
-I just ask for a sample, Nerea explain me that there's still a lot of job to do to make them more accurate –her hair was all messy too, and for some reason he can smell a bit of acid coming from her mouth every time she talked, vomit smell –Nora…-he call, she look at him and come back to the roses- we need to see Knight Cade
-Why? –the way she asked made Arthur angry.
-Because you cant keep doing chems you need to get clean! If you feel bad now you cant just spill a mountain of Daytripper on your mouth…-she stay in silent, looking at the roses- Did you do it!?
-No…some med-x for the headache…-that was even worse! The mans blood boiled at hearing it.
-Nora! –he wanted to grab her by the arm and kick her ass up to the nursery right away.
-I know how to do chems, Med-X was around before the bombs dropped, relax.
-You are pregnant now! wait did you eat anything!? Are you doing chems with the empty stomach!? –nonono this was bad, one thing was controlling Nora which was difficult enough, another was make her obey.
-No…I have some noodles…what do you want here!? –she didnd want to feel cornered in her quarters too, if he was going to be like that better leave.
-I want to talk –he said picking up her hands, she just look to some dead point in the bouquette.
-Im not changing my mind –she said firmly, Arthur close his eyes harsh.
-I don't want to be angry at you but I also don't want this…pat you are choosing for both of us
He didnd want to hate her, he wanted to love and be loved, to spend the rest of their lives and be outstanding together.
-If I…tell you about what was between me and Shaun youll try to understand? –he froze, this was one of this rare occasions where Nora opens about a subject she was very secretive about but he wouldn't be manipulated by it, she knew how he caressed this moments and he was cautious about her movements.
-If I listen…will you go with me to the nursery with Knight Cade? –she take much much seconds more than Arthur expected, like she was calculating things in her head, there wasnt much to do at the nursery than testing anyway but…she agreed
-I must confess something that I never told you…I was linked to the institute before
With what the man heard next…he had to sit up in bed because his knees failed him. She was the mother of the last institute leader.
Nora told him everything about the institute, her relationship, the works she did, people she helped, her way of getting in, the last moments with her son…He wouldn't expect to be banging someone so close at the enemy and being innocent at the same time but again: crazy shit things happends at the wastelands.
-Does anyones knows any of this? –his position as elder was very compromised if anyone wanted to destroy him, she wasn't responsible and even kill the enemy but it was at least controversial, it will raise so many doubts, so many will point at him for corruption or complicity just because she was the elder woman.
-Not with so many details…Valentine is the closets one but no, nobody knew that Shaun was the leader of the institute –Arthur was still in shock, breathing in and out, taking his time.
-Do you plan to tell anyone else about it? –his words came out with a sour flavor out, he wasn't annoyed or angry, but dead serious about this subject.
-I planned to take this secret to my grave but I feel like you need to understand –he does, he does understand, he still has to process a lot of the tale but…
Still, this didn't change his wishes.
-You don't believe in yourself but youll be an excellent mom.
-An excellent mom would forgive him in his deathbed, he was obliged to live that life, raised without his parents, grew up in a strange place how can I blame him to raise up and success in the only life he was able to live? –her voice broke several times while telling the story, caressing the little roses with her fingers- How can I wish for him to live outside and pass hunger and thirst everyday just to not do that atrocities? I was his mom and admit that that was the best life than anyone can have in the commonwealth future…I let him rest, fall into the claws of cancer, close his eyes at my side-like any mother would do, any good mother Arthur thought-…and when his heart stopped a rage took over me and I smashed him like potato smash, I punch with the power fist until that red wet mass wasn't recognizable as a human anymore…I made his presence and memory disappear into a flush of blood and meat for all the horrible things he made to people –the man shut his eyes feeling the pain in her voice, trying too disconnect a bit, It wasn't natural for him to make such a sadistic and cruel image of her but…
He was told about it, that Nora can be like that, it just that he didn't see it yet.
-You were carrying the pain and hate of all the people that disappear of suffer a kidnapping from the institute, you don't have to be a saint, you already destroyed the institute by that time is okay for you to feel emotions and carry away, you did that not because you are a savage or anything, you did because you needed to –she was in a serious guilty trip but he will not ashame her for it
-But I hurt him –Nora hug herself, he wouldn't interfere, this was about her- what kind of mother do that to the memory of his son? I don't have a single thing from him, I destroyed everything because I just think he was a monster –her eyes were all watery, she was going to cry again, and if she feel like it, she can do it in his arms
He was a monster, but he couldn't say it, he didn't have the right.
-Nora I think we both have things to digest separately…im not going to push anything on you today–he had a lot to process, even his head was repeating the created images of an angry Nora smashing human meat because of how disturbing that thought was- but I please ask you to come to the nursery with me and have some tests over your health, you know you need it no matter the reason –she look at him and press the rose stems between her fingers.
-Alright…-she said leaving the bouquette of roses in her pillow- they do have a fragrance…is just very subtle…
Arthur rise and took her hand, using his finger tips to make little circles.
-You didn't cry –he praise- you are strong.
-I already cry all I can about it…-she didn't cry telling him all that story, she did cry more before for…their son…than her son…
They both walked in silence side by side to the nursery, Knight Cade was advised about…not saying anything, to shut the damn mouth and just perform all the test needed.
A blood test, a nerve examination, an urine one…the elder make sure that Cade was prepared in case the sentinel appeared.
-Sentinel you need to start on a Addictol threatment starting from today, theres a lot of detox to do on your body…youll also need to start on a diet, you cant just keep skipping meals –Arthur clarified very well that no talk about a baby, lets just focus on her heatlh…or that's what we are going to communicate to her.
The elder care about his son, as well he care for his woman. He will do both. Even if she didn't allow it.
-Can I have intravenous? –she asked, looking at the ground, both men raised an eyebrow but Arthur understood why: If she was fed like that she doesn't have to taste.
-No, but we can complement some meals with vitamins to make the rations smallers –said Knight Cade
-The vitamins doesn't have any flavor Nora –the elder clarified when he see her all depressed.
-Also your heart bit is extremely irregular, I need you to rest for a few days to see the evolution of your cardiac rhythm to see if its something situational or you need some kind of treatment to make it normal again. Lets just finish for today and lets see tomorrow, this is a day to day until your heart normalize again, no jokes.
Obviously the heart problems were caused by the nervous crisis and the panics attacks from their discussions, along with the chems consume. That was something very urgent that needed to be fixed.
She didn't say anything more at the nursery until they were out and the doors closed, just the two of them. Nora took his hand and for the first time in more than a month look deep into his eyes.
-I know you said we needed to digest this separately but…can we have dinner together tonight? –the last time they were supposed to dinner she disappeared pregnant without telling him a shit, he wouldn't fall in this trap again, he couldn't allow himself to be so naive with the mother of the leader of the institute.
-Only if you stay with me until then –she nodded, and he sighted in relief –do you wanna eat something until then? Does your stomach hurts? –she needed to wash her teeth for the horrible breath too.
-I want an apple filled donut –she babble down and he took the other hand moving it around.
-Consider it done
-Arthur –she called, and he hummed paying attention to her words- I don't wanna be angry at you neither…
Oh gosh…
The elder open his arms and she ran inside them, sobbing but not crying, regulating her breath to calm down a bit and just feel protected in his arms.
They both were in his quarters when the news were send to Arthur to his terminal via email, she was having a hot shower for the first time in more than a month, although he say he wouldn't sleep in the same bed for tonight he preferred her to be around, of course, to watch and keep an eye, even if he couldn't be honest and just say it
She was indeed, six weeks pregnant, a result of 4000-30000mui/ml.
And with a lot of chems toxins in her blood.
Also malnourished.
He wouldn't let her ruin herself, and his baby. This wasn't just about her and her traumas anymore.
The hero of the Commonwealth and the Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel were having a baby.
No matter how confused the mother was about it.