#( arc vii. ) remember the new vegas valley / post commonwealth.

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@o-rusted-heart​ sent: “You haven’t laughed in a long time, and I guess I was staring ‘cause I forgot how that looked like.” -from Nick, Mojave Sunburn.

Nipton was feeling more and more like home. It wasn’t the agency back in Freeside, but out here they could see the stars a lot more clearly. Six didn’t realize how bad she’d missed them.

Houses were more livable. The bones and crosses on the streets had been gone so long Six only vaguely remembered what they looked like. The general store was back up, ready for the first stock of things that were on the way thanks to Cass. It meant they had more than earned a break. How long had it been since they’d sit out on a porch together, cigarette and drinks in hand as the radio played in the background? Too long, really. She’d missed this, too.

As Nick spoke, the Six’s laughter dissolved into giggles before fading off completely. The words warmed her heart at the same time made it ache just a touch. She had been distant in a sense -- throwing herself into work, not allowing herself any respite between recalibrating Yes Man and cleaning up the streets. She took Nick’s hand gently before bringing it up to her lips.

“Guess we just been kinda busy, huh?” Really, more like she’d been. It meant she had to re-evaluate her priorities. None of it meant anything if she couldn’t be sure Nick was at peace through it all. If seeing her smile made him look like that, then she’d have to do it more often.

Silently she slipped back into his lap, like she used to do all the time. She felt like smiling, and this time around for the first time in a long time she didn’t feel the onslaught of dread following behind it. No more promises of soon. She’d stalled long enough. It was time to live again. “Maybe it’d be worth expandin’ the agency -- a Nipton branch for all them NCR fellas who come through from the Outpost -- how does that sound?”

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o-rusted-heart​:

He should’ve expected her to show up– it was only fitting that she was there to witness. But it maybe hadn’t entirely occurred to Nick just how personally he’d slighted her with this stunt until he saw the shock on her face.

Then it occurred to him fairly quick, and very hard. 

There was a moment of silence as his lips parted to get an answer out, but nothing came for a few moments, the look on her face like a cold splash of water to the anger and jealousy that had been driving him. “I…”

“…I didn’t trust him, Six. I don’t. I know you do, but he’s– he’s manipulating you…”

She had always worn her heart on her sleeve. House could use that easy -- blood in the water, and the sharks would come. It was clear on her face the conflict of emotion, the confusion, and before she could reply to Nick with an influx of emotion and hurt, it was time for House to interrupt. The lovers could quarrel in the privacy of their own home.

This was the chum. House cut her off before she could express whatever quandary she had.

“Courier Six,” House almost sounded like a disappointed father, or he would have, if his voice reflected any kind of care deep down in it, “Would you please explain to me how your inamorato managed to infiltrate my security systems and waltz right into my Penthouse without raising a single suspicion?”

Six blanched. Her voice was barely a whisper, “He what?”

“A Securitron identification code,” House would rake her across the coals for Valentine’s hubris. His voice grew harder, the implication clear, “Where did he manage to obtain one of those, Courier? How did he know where to find the serial number?”

She couldn’t answer. All she did was shake her head. It felt like a sucker punch to the gut, one that stole the breath from her lungs, “I... I - I don’t know, sir.”

“Am I supposed to believe that? You don’t know?”

Her eyes stung. She couldn’t look at Nick, and she swallowed hard, “I hope you do, sir, because I really don’t know.”

“So your paramour has betrayed us both.”

Six wanted to argue that. She couldn’t say anything. House continued, “He was found taking back what limited information you had freely delivered to me on this Institute. Courier Six, did I ask that you travel the harrowing journey to the East Coast for this information?”

“No, sir.”

“And this initial gift of information -- did I demand any of it?”

“No.”

A long pause, “Courier Six -- do you believe I’m manipulating you?”

Six’s face was red, from embarrassment, from anger, from shame, from crying, “No, sir.”

“A man is entitled to what is rightfully his, is that an unfair assessment?”

Six swallowed a sob.

“Victor, please escort Mr. Valentine off the premises. I believe it’s time for Courier Six and I to discuss this transgression.”

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@o-rusted-heart​ sent: “You’ve got a fever. Of course I’m not going anywhere.” from Nick, Mojave Sunburn.

Their last job for the Boomers had them out in the sun for the better part of two days. Less xenophobic than they’d used to be, but still unwilling to venture too far beyond Nellis, Six didn’t mind the trek up from time to time to make sure things were running smoothly. Usually it devolved into work around the air force base, help in making sure they were able to continue their sustainability. Maybe one day they’d let her try that damn flying simulator.

Six normally knew a whole lot better than this -- heat exhaustion wasn’t something to take lightly, but here she was, back from the trip in bed nauseous and clammy. She did her best to avoid this kind of thing, but saying no to people who needed help was something she struggled to do... especially when they had a flight simulator.

She mumbled, her hand reaching up for him. No blankets -- she didn’t want any blankets. It felt like nothing was helping and it made her feel absolutely miserable. Normally she’d be a lot tougher about feeling so ill, but something about Nick had her devolving into a whiny state. Most likely the safe feeling of knowing she could be vulnerable.

“Hold my hand,” she demanded, voice miserable as she forced herself to open her eyes. Her head pounded. “I just want to cuddle.”

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@o-rusted-heart     /     continued.

It loomed overhead for the both of them. For all that Six used to love looking towards New Vegas, to beautiful lights and and a city that never slept, she couldn’t anymore. Not without seeing the Lucky 38 looming so high up, like it was watching and could see for miles and miles and miles beyond. It felt like it was watching them, waiting for their return. One continuously being put off. The excuses and reasons to stay away were running thin.

She liked to hear about Nick’s stories -- all he’d remembered and seen and done. It made her smile, and she would have asked more questions if she could have, but he didn’t offer her any time. Even though the words made her nervous, she smiled. Had she done something bad?

“Sure... what about?”

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@o-rusted-heart          /          cs.

A few things were different after Six braved the world outside that little repair shop with a less than tip-top Nick Valentine. She wasn’t ready to fix him yet, her confidence shot from how badly she had flubbed it up the last time. Their little corner of peace had been abandoned as soon as Six scrubbed Boone’s blood from the floor. That was as much as she wanted to be in there for. There was too much to do.

The old house of Jeannie May Crawford had been empty since her disappearance so long ago. No one objected when it was repurposed for the Courier and Nick. It had more windows, which was a relief. Being able to look for danger outside was a kindness. For a few days after they had relocated, the traps she had set up for bed kept her from leaving all too often.

Just some work to keep her sharp, she’d reply with a laugh, before going on ahead to catch up with Jason Bright. They needed a place to stay now that they were back. Novac could provide, but there was an undeniable tension at the amount of feral ghouls that were expected to be allowed to roam. She said she’d handle it. The more to keep her busy, the better. She was so busy these days she was forgetting to do more than wash her face in the morning -- no use wearing make up when she was so busy. Not when she’d sweat it off between her working on repairing the damages of battle Novac had acquired because of her.

People needed her, and it was important to always be ready for it. Sleeping clothes were forgotten as she slept in road leathers and working clothes when she tried to sleep at all. No more did Six want to tuck under blankets, a stern determination that she was just busy, and everything was fine. The fact she hadn’t seen Nick all that often was just a byproduct of that. There was too much to do, and he was safer not around her. After all, House was still a threat. 

Would he be looking for her? For Nick? She had to stay vigilant -- it mean routine check ups on ED-E, making sure he had short wave radio connection to her Pip-Boy in case during his patrols he saw men in red and gold uniforms or the familiar silhouette of a Securitron. That was where Nick found her, adjusting knobs and dials 

“Hey Hot Rod,” she replied with a playful lilt in her voice, “Hey, I was thinkin’ -- Nipton. Might not be a bad place for a bunch of ghouls to repopulate. There’s plenty to do there ‘fore anyone can move in, but I think I might go check it out tomorrow. You wanna tag along?”

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@o-rusted-heart​          /           cs.

After her initial melt down on their first night, Six was a little more back to normal. She was talking more, for one, and the radio played more frequently for another. It wasn’t hard to find her in the ruined city of Nipton, the sounds of Mr. New Vegas floating on the air. Cass was kind enough to swing by to check on them both, and soon she and Nick could really get started on the work once she was back with all the supplied Six had asked for.

An odd list to be certain -- building supplies and things for beginning a garden, some personal effects from their agency in Freeside, and  a ruined Securitron that Six had held onto. The Followers had held onto it for good measure, but she needed it back now. She hadn’t forgotten this time, and her pain, now open an exposed, was healing. It was focused on the time she spend reformatting the mayor’s old computer for her own personal work. It was spent hunched over programming into odd hours of the night. It wasn’t all consuming though -- in between the manic nights of parsing old code and muttering her way through problems to herself, she would hold Nick, or be held in return.

Her head was generally clearer, and she was better for it. It meant making sure they’d be ready when it was time for the hard work. It meant making sure Nick’s repairs since the Legion attack were still holding up. No matter what happened, Nick and Six were a team, and there was nothing they couldn’t do together.

Except, maybe hit the higher notes she used to be able to. Her throat was tender, most likely from all the smoke inhalation or the way Lanius had crushed it. Maybe it wasn’t all that; Six hoped it had just been because she had been crying more, and that sure did a number on her throat from time to time, but she really couldn’t make herself believe that lie.

Her humming was careful, Frankie Carle’s One More Tomorrow in a safe register for her, at least. It was quieter than it usually was, almost like she was afraid that she’d mess up and didn’t want Nick to hear it.

“Alright -- you ready love? Let me see that arm again.”

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@o-rusted-heart    /    cs.

Having Chris Haversam as an extra set of hands was useful. Her own had some rather painful blisters from having dug her way through fire. Perhaps she should have been attended to first, but Courier Six was insistent that no, Nick came first. As they worked replacing the shattered and broken pieces in Nick’s body, re welding his frame together and patching up the internal synthetic organs his body carried, Six was relieved that though she hadn’t done this extensive of repairs in awhile, all of it was like... riding a bicycle, she believed the saying was.

It all came naturally to her and thankfully so. Acadia was too far away to get to. As his systems began to read more normally, Six felt the crease of worry in her brown ease up. She would stay up until Nick was awake, but that didn’t mean Chris would. Eventually he left her on her own, and when Boone came with the medic this time, this time she didn’t shoo them away. There was still a little more work to be done. Reattaching his arm, mainly.

It definitely beat having to go back to her room. She didn’t want to call it her room anymore. Wires were reattached, connections to his nervous system coming together as she carefully bent metal back into shape. The work in front of her was all Six thought about. It was all that mattered. That was, until Nick opened his eyes again, and she felt herself smiling softly.

“Almost done,” her voice was soft. Something in her throat had been rather hurt from when Lanius had grabbed it, “A 24-karat patient, like always.”

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Business was booming since the first moment he turned the sign on, and rightly so -- Nick was incredible when it came to his work. Everything had been pretty local, a long list of missing persons and items finally being looked into now that there was someone who was offering to look. Working again felt nice -- being idle was something Six struggled at.

At the very least, she loved playing secretary. She determined she’d have to make her way up to partner through time and effort. It meant she wasn’t getting through Institute data as quick as she hoped she would, but having sent along some things was better than having sent nothing at all yet. There were too many things keeping her distracted from being frustrated about that, though. One very big one in particular, who she had finally convinced to come down here. Not that it took much convincing.

“We got one more appointment today, Nicky. She should be here soon.” At her desk Six was adjusting her curls a bit, having already flitted about the office to make sure everything was clean and orderly. She wanted to make sure Lily was impressed, “I’m awful excited for you to meet her finally -- I’ve missed Granny so much.”

𝑪𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑬𝑫 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹 . @o-rusted-heart

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@tread-the-bear

The last time she had been to Novac was to introduce Nick to the sniper Six considered her best friend. Being here again now was ... different. Six hadn’t traveled with only ED-E as her company for a long, long time. Boone was attentive -- the fact she was alone he would certainly pick up on even if she was smiling wide. It was the kind of grin that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Howdy partner,” Six greeted the sniper with a cheeky grin and a salute, “Wanted to check in on you and Dinky -- stayin’ out of trouble, I hope.”

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@o-rusted-heart   /   continued.

Six figured they had a bit more time. If they hadn’t hunted them down yet, they must have assumed they had been killed in the attack. Odds are they were going to be alright until they rolled into the next big town and whatever frumentarii were crawling on their bellies would see and report otherwise. By then Six could only hope that she’d have her hands on an AutoDoc and They were both relatively recovered. She could figuratively breathe a little bit easier for the time being, but the pain in her abdomen and her anxieties really didn’t provide her the chance. What made her finally feel a bit better was crawling off of Nick so he could finally rest. He deserved to rest.

There wasn’t much she could do put rub his back, soothe his aching muscles as best as she could. He’d done so much for her, and it was hard to not feel entirely guilty. He didn’t deserve this. She traced his broad shoulders with her lips. Six kissed where she could between her massaging, from the back of his neck, to his shoulders, and kept gently working the knots that had settled into his muscles. She’d do so all night if that’s what he wanted.

“Thank you for bein’ such a trooper,” she cooed, her voice was soft and sounded more apologetic than grateful, “Are you doin’ alright, Nick? I’m sorry I’m so heavy -- God damn... I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry about all of this.”

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continued. / @o-rusted-heart

Robert House had done a marvel with his diversion of most of the bombs. It had protected so much of the surrounding area of the Mojave, and thanks to the circulation of several Vaults along the coast it meant more produce that, miraculously, was more true to the old world counterparts if not exactly the same. No tarberries or mutfruit here unfortunately, though perhaps one day the coasts could share.

It was certainly colder up here than it was in the desert valley, something that Six didn’t mind when the air felt so crisp and the greenery was so pretty. Jacobstown was tranquil, and sometimes it was just nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle. It helped that Nick seemed to enjoy it, too. Seeing him at ease was something that always made Six absolutely beside herself.

She giggled, a warm smile to match his own before she took the apple to take a bite. Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing after the small hike. Six shut her eyes reflexively to enjoy the taste, a little hum of approval leaving her as she did so. When she opened her eyes again it was with another small laugh before extending it back to Nick so he could enjoy it, too.

“Reckon we could pick a whole bunch, Nicky? Grannie ‘n I could make some apple dumplin’s tonight. She was tellin’ me all about how her granny used to make ‘em back in the vault ‘round Halloween time.”

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Caps were only an object, really. With investments in prospering caravans and a generous stipend, Nick needed for nothing to get this place up and running. She has happy to help all that she could; within reason, of course, not wanting to step on Nick’s toes or harm his pride in any way. He had worked hard back in Diamond City to make a home and a name for himself -- starting from the bottom again didn’t seem necessary.

There was nothing she’d rather spend her time or money on, and it was rewarding despite all the work that needed. Actually, maybe that’s what Six liked about it so much. Fixing things up and putting TLC into them was rewarding in a way like nothing else. It was a fun task to focus on. Granted there was plenty of other things to do for her on the Strip, like catch up with House and the families. There were also those in Freeside like the King and the Followers who were all very interested in reconnecting, but they’d have to be patient for a little longer yet. First thing that mattered was getting Nick settled. She couldn’t be everywhere at once, after all.

After a long day of cleaning everything was falling more into place. Six was curled up on the couch, hugging her legs as Nick took a place beside her. As he settled in, she stretched her legs out to rest over his own. With a tiny cheers she took a drink. From their vantage point all the elbow grease they’d put into the place was easy to see, and it was a satisfying sort of exhaustion.

She’d wondered about that, actually -- if he’d wanted his own space all his own without her in it considering they’d been traveling together for so long. Six didn’t mind it if he did, but she did hate the idea of not waking up next to him. She’d gotten used to it.

“If you’ll have me,” Six smiled, taking another sip and appreciating the moment of rest, “The Lucky 38 ain’t that far a walk from here. It’s always been a clubhouse first before my home, after all. Not sure if it’d feel all too homey nowadays considerin’ you wouldn’t be there.”

𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑼𝑬𝑫  .  @o-rusted-heart

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@o-rusted-heart​ sent: “Come back to bed.”

“Gimme one more minute, love.” Her shoulders hurt and her eyes felt strained and her fingers ached, but she was near done. Sleep was getting easier, but still, there were times when she would stir, see Nick, and be unable to fall back asleep. The discomfort didn’t matter -- rest would come later. What mattered in those moments more than anything was making sure that Nick was going to be safe.

Holding him through the night could only do so much to make sure it would happen. She’d suffer through aching shoulders for the rest of her life if it meant keeping him safe.

Still, she took a quick pause to stretch, a small groan as she did so, before beginning her final minute. She could feel him watching her there, imagine the slight downturn of his face from concern, but he didn’t need to do that. Not for much longer.

With a final connected cable, Six rolled from her seat at the work table to the nearby desk. She took a deep breath, and then enabled the program. The Securitron on the table flickered to life, but unlike the faces of the officers of the Strip, it was a funny looking smile.

Yes Man was back -- not fully, not yet -- and tomorrow once the the changes she’d made to his programming were fully compiled, he’d be up and talking again.

“There.” She replied, a sigh to end it all, though she turned to Nick to smile, it looked tired, “That was less than a minute -- I was countin’.” She stood then reaching out to grab his hand and plant a kiss on his lips.

“Soon, Nicky. I promise.”

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@o-rusted-heart​ sent: Beckon, for Nick!

Sometimes Six had a nasty habit of being the one so devout to her work that she’d promise five more minutes only for the Sun to come up a moment later. There was so much work to be done, and for all of House’s plans to be realized she truly did need those five extra minutes. At her desk were scattered plans for this and that -- airplanes, trains, and other ways to make the months long trip across the wasteland safer.

It had taken up her entire focus, and though she did her best to step away when it felt she was overthinking them, something about this problem wouldn’t let her stop. More often than not she was spending time at her desk. More often than not she was so wrapped up in thoughts and ideas that kept her more or less distracted from Nick. Not intentionally so, but enough that when he grunted and decided to stretch it was enough to pull her from her thoughts. That usually meant he was done for the day.

“I’ll be up to join you shortly, darlin’.” she promised, and she meant it. If the Sun came up again it would have been entirely accidental like it had every night. Nick didn’t answer, instead, the way he rolled his sleeves up and looked over his shoulder was simple. Six felt her face warm considerably, only able to really stare at the synth agape as he continued his walk up the stairs.

It only took another second before Nick could probably hear the footfalls of Six following dutifully behind him to their bed.

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@o-rusted-heart​ sent: 😘 Nick says uwu

Normally Six is up with the Sun, but there are days she’d be content to stay swathed in blankets and left to do nothing. They’re rare and far between, but it’s one of them as she buries herself under blankets and pillows and keeps her eyes shut. It was a long night. The stakeout dragged on until the sun was back up. All in all though it had been successful which is why she’s earned this, she thinks. The people of New Vegas can wait just a little bit longer.

Her boss has other ideas, though. At first it’s the gentle running of his fingers across her bare shoulder, and she’s only vaguely aware of it. It’s enough to make her smile sleepily, half between awake and asleep. Still though she tries to wander back into unconsciousness, but sleeping on the job isn’t allowed it seems.

That makes sense, she supposes a little more lucidly -- dating your boss isn’t always carte blanche. She feels Nick’s lips press into her shoulder, up across her skin anywhere it’s exposed, and she hums in appreciation and cranes her head to give him more room to move up to her neck. The first good morning she gives him is a contented moan, and she stretches, giving up her attempt for more sleep.

If she has to wake up, Six supposes that this is the best wake up call she’s ever had.

“I’m up!” Six laughs, though her eyes are still shut, she reaches out to find his shoulders. His lips dust across her cheeks, her forehead, and she giggles as she bumps her head against his gently to find his lips so she can kiss him back proper.

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@o-rusted-heart​  sent   3.  the  train  tracks  have  been  here  longer  than  anyone  and  anything  else.  our  muses  follow  them  ,  unsure  if  they  even  lead  to  anything.    

It was rude to read someone’s diary, but when the person was long dead it seemed a little more fair game. One example in particular was an A. Fischer, whose suitcase had been found in a small resort in the Rockies. Inside there’d been plenty -- holotapes for one, and maps for another. Six poured over it throughout the night. All of it said adventure to her.

The writings she had found told an interesting story. Six liked to read them for any glimpses into a world that only ghouls and Nick knew about. Maybe it’d make them closer in another sort of way if she could relate the world he remembered. A. Fischer, whoever they were, appreciated traveling and seemed to keep their life inside the small ruined suitcase. It made Six a little guilty when she had picked it and sorted through the contents of things that they could use, but A. Fischer had been long dead and didn’t need any of this anymore.

To honor them, Six learned about trains. A. Fischer loved trains. Took them all across America, but always ended here. Not too far from this resort had been a small station. According to old world brochures that the suitcase held, the scenic views along the Rockies and luxury diner calls made this particular transcontinental railroad a premier traveling experience. With no real reason to doubt the brochure, Six took it at face value.

She also took the frustrated scrawling and disjointed notes that A. Fischer had written at face value. No one they had spoke to had managed to book a seat on that train.  What’s more, no one had ever seen it come or go. If that wasn’t a mystery worth looking into, she didn’t know what was. When she had bothered Nick in the wee hours of the morning with all she had found instead of the usual bizarre question, it was all she could think about, and she thought maybe she understood this A. Fischer really really well.

But as she peered into the man made tunnel carved from the mountainside and back at the faded ephemera, she didn’t recognize this stretch of tracks as being apart of any particular route. She turned her head, curls flouncing as she did so. Whenever she felt puzzled, Six liked to look at Nick. It helped ground her.

“I don’t get it,” she admitted, a touch frustrated, “We followed the tracks from the station Fischer mentioned. It didn’t say nothin’ about going through the mountain, only around it. Did we get turned around?” Though afraid of the dark, her curiosity was stronger, and Six turned the flashlight of her Pip-Boy on and extended it into the dark. The tracks continued. Maybe this had been a new addition that the old brochure’s hadn’t accounted for. She wanted to believe that.

“Let’s keep goin’.”