The sunlight streaming in woke Hel the next morning. Body aching all over, she winced as she sat up. Burke was already dressed and sitting across the room on the chair.
"Morning, love," he sounded and looked as though he hadn't slept.
"Morning," Hel hated that it had come so quickly. She knew he was leaving today. It had all happened too fast. She'd fallen for him in a matter of moments and now he was being pulled out of her life for who knew how long. She felt empty inside. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes and she swallowed hard.
Burke stood and cleared his throat, "I… I've never really had to worry about saying goodbye before." He lifted his hat and ran his hand through his hair.
Hel pushed the covers off her and slid her legs over the edge of the bed. She felt her muscles complaining as she stood. "It's not goodbye," she smiled sadly as she knelt to grab a clean jumpsuit from her pack. "It's until we meet again, right?"
Burke nodded.
Hel stepped into the legs of her jumpsuit and pulled it up over her arms but didn't zip it. She turned to look at Burke. Neither of them said anything, they crossed the room and fused their bodies together before either knew it. Burke's mouth warred with hers as they clung to each other. Hel felt the tears she'd been holding back start to leave trails down her face.
Burke pulled back and wiped at them, "Shhh, love," he said softly and kissed her forehead, "Don't."
"I'm sorry," Hel pulled away and wiped angrily at her tears. She didn't want to spend what little time they had crying. Wrapping her arms around herself, she took a deep breath. "I didn't plan for you, Burke."
"Nor I you, love. Come here," he held his hand out to her.
Swallowing more tears, Hel put her hand in his and let him pull her forward. He reached down to her zipper and pulled it up. He hesitated as it reached her breasts and leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on her collarbone before zipping it up to her neck.
"I'll send for you," he promised again, "Don't worry."
Hel shook her head, "I can't promise I won't worry, but I trust you. Just…be careful."
"You too," he kissed her gently and wrapped his arms around her tightly. He held her for a long time, his chin resting on top of her head. Hel clung to him desperately but managed not to cry anymore, barely. Far too soon, he pulled back and tilted her head up to look her in the eyes. "I have to go now. Do you want to see me off or say goodbye here?"
Hel didn't want anyone to see her breakdown. She couldn't imagine making the walk back from the gates alone. "Here," her voice was thick.
Burke nodded and bent to kiss her. It was gentle and sweet, different from the hungry, passionate kisses he'd given before. It was 'goodbye' without words. He pressed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. Then he straightened, planted a last kiss on her forehead and turned to the door. Opening it, he hesitated and looked over his shoulder, "I love you, Helen."
"I love you too."
He smiled, turned and was gone. The door closed gently behind him.
Hel swallowed, then again, but the tears won. Face crumpling, she slumped to her knees on the hard floor and sobbed.
...
Burke walked through the gates of Megaton, heart cold and heavy. He hated the world for being so helpless without him. If he could give up his responsibilities and just be with Hel… But no… He'd told her how important it was for him to continue his work, for the greater good of mankind. It won't be long. She'll be by my side soon, then everything will be fine.
He hesitated and looked back at the shit hole of a town. He'd been tempted to make love to her one last time, but he knew if he let himself get caught up in it, it would mean another day, and then another. It was best for both of them if he got it over with and left now. She'd looked so peaceful sleeping, no worries, no fears. Then she'd opened those beautiful eyes and looked over at him and the reality had set in. He turned and faced Tenpenny Tower and squared his shoulders. Get it done.
Burke headed off into the Wastes without another look back.
...
Hel cried until the tears wouldn't come anymore. She was sprawled across the floor like a discarded doll, eyes on the door but not seeing it. Instead she was seeing the last time she'd spoken with her father.
He'd been going on about her mother again. She hadn't noticed it at the time, but looking back she realized he was talking fervently about how wonderful a woman she was, how caring and selfless. Hel had grown up constantly hearing about how great a person her mother was so it had seemed like any other day. Now she could hear the difference in her father's voice, he'd sounded eager, as though he were talking about a person that still existed and he was going to meet them. Hel thought back to when Moriarty had claimed she and her father had passed through here before when she was an infant. She'd taken him for a liar then, but now paired with her father's odd behavior, she was having second thoughts. Had her father lied to her all this time?
She blinked and came back to herself. Sitting up slowly, she wiped at her face and sniffled. Laying here sniveling like a baby isn't going to bring Burke or your father back. Get up and get to work.
Hel got to her feet and walked to her pack. Her face and eyes felt swollen from the crying. Pulling out her Pip-Boy she clicked it over to the map and started planning a route through D.C. to her father.
...
"Mister Burke?" The guard at the gate said in surprise, "Uh, welcome back sir."
"Thank you. Are you going to let me in now?" Burke raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, yessir, sorry, I just- That is," the gate opened as the young man continued to babble, "we didn't know if you were coming back sir. It's been a while."
Burke didn't reply. It had been too long. He'd left months ago and now he was returning without completing his task. He sighed as he stepped through to the courtyard. He wasn't about to explain himself to this man, but he still had to deal with Tenpenny. He wasn't looking forward to dealing with the senile old man after his long hike from Megaton, but he knew if the old fool learned he was back he'd come snooping. Best to get it over with now.
The Lobby was cool and inviting after the heat outside. Removing his glasses, Burke nodded at Gustavo at his desk and made his way to the elevator. He spotted Susan looking his way and ignored it as always. The woman was in every bed in the tower once a week. Burke had never had any interest in adding his bed to the rotation. Susan had never stopped trying though, she could smell money. The elevator was taking its time coming down and Burke saw Susan making her way over out of the corner of his eye. Sighing, he willed the ancient machine to move faster.
"Welcome back, Burke," Susan greeted sweetly.
The elevator dinged and the doors opened.
"Ms. Lancaster," he tipped his hat and stepped in. She followed. Burke jabbed at the button for the suites.
"Goodness, you're dusty," she reached over and brushed a hand across his shoulder. A tiny cloud of grime puffed off him.
"Yes."
The elevator doors slid shut and he was stuck with her.
"Been busy?"
"Yes."
"Oh come on, Burke, don't be so cold. Can't you chat a girl up?"
"What for? I know you've been busy."
Susan scoffed, "Jealous?"
"Hardly."
"Fuck you, Burke."
"No thank you."
The elevator reached the top and the doors slid open. Burke stepped out and couldn't help turning around and asking, "It's Monday, Susan, shouldn't you be with Wellington?"
The elevator slid shut as she flipped him off. Burke grinned and turned towards his rooms. He thought about taking the time to change before going out to the balcony to find Tenpenny, but forged on.
The old man was shooting at something in the distance as Burke came up behind him. For a moment he had the wild thought of just pushing him over the edge. Instead, he cleared his throat.
"Ah, Burke!" The old man set his rifle down and moved to extend a withered hand in greeting.
"Allistair."
"You're back, I can assume that means we're about to have quite a show?"
"Actually, sir, I wanted to talk to you about that."
Tenpenny furrowed his eyebrows, "The locals run you out of town?"
"Hardly," Burke laughed, "I left of my own accord."
"So you're unable to obliterate that eye sore?"
"Well that's entirely up to you, sir. I simply had an epiphany while I was away and wanted to speak with you about it."
Tenpenny waved a hand at a chair and sat in the opposite one, "Fine, Burke. Just make it quick, I don't have all day."
Burke's jaw clenched. That's exactly what you have, thanks to me, you doddering old fuck. Taking a deep breath as he took a seat, he said, "Of course, sir. You see, I was thinking while I was down there how none of the tenants here see what a state those people live in."
"Course not, that's the whole point, man!"
"Yes, of course, sir, but if I may? As I watched the wretched townsfolk go about their sad little lives, I was reminded of how good we have it here in your tower. Why, our existence is almost godlike compared to theirs. I wondered if that didn't somehow add to the satisfaction of living here."
Tenpenny looked out towards the town, "Go on."
"Eliminating Megaton would be enjoyable, certainly, but only briefly. Leaving the people to suffer while we watch… Is that not much more entertaining? Watch them struggle to scrape out a pathetic existence for themselves and their filthy offspring, while up here you look out over the Wastes, your own little kingdom, in absolute comfort."
"Hmm," Tenpenny rubbed his chin, "The visitors to and from do provide endless target practice."
"Excellent point, sir."
The old fool smiled, "Yes. Yes I think I've reached a decision, Burke. Let's leave the peasants to their squabbles in the dirt."
"As you wish, sir."
"Yes, that will do. Thank you, Burke. I trust you are exhausted from your stay among the common rabble. You're dismissed, enjoy your evening." He was already picking his rifle back up and aiming it at some unsuspecting creature below.
Burke got to his feet. Dismissed. He kept the smile plastered across his face until he was back in his rooms. He tore his hat off and scrubbed a hand through his hair. "Egotistical dumbass," he grumbled. His hand came away from his hair dirty and he sighed.
The one good thing about being home was a hot shower. Burke stripped and made his way into the stall. The hot water felt glorious. For a moment he closed his eyes and stood under the spray just to relish the feel of it. The only thing that would make this better is Helen being here. At the thought of her, a feeling of guilt flashed through him. His eyes snapped open and he reached for the bar of soap. He couldn't allow himself to take pleasure in anything if she was still out there. Scrubbed and rinsed, he wrapped a towel around himself and hesitated at the sink where his straight razor laid. A yawn cracked his jaw and made the decision for him. He made his way to his bed. Big and empty. He sighed. One week. Then I'll send for her. He pulled back the covers and let the towel drop to the floor.
Climbing into bed, he tried to will himself to sleep. It should have come quickly, he was exhausted enough. Thoughts of her kept him up. Was she still in Megaton or was she already traipsing across this godforsaken wasteland to look for her probably dead father? He got up and went to his liquor cabinet. He took the scotch bottle to bed with him. She was a potent enough memory, he'd need something strong to cancel her out.
Late again! So, life has become a bit...rough lately. I will try to stick to the once a month upload, but December might be extra late if not pushed back to January. We're dealing with problems with our landlord and the health department is involved because they won't fix the water problem. It's starting to look like where we rent might be condemned and we'll have to find somewhere else to live. Thank you all for your consistent views and the comments. They seriously make my day when I read them. I hope all that celebrate had a Happy Halloween and that you all stay safe!
Much love to each and every one of you!
Meg