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atombonniebaby · 1 year ago

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Love in the Crosshairs: Just the Thing I need

Chapter 3: A Minute's Notice.

Red Rocket Truck Stop. Concord: October 24th 2287. 9.23am.

As Nate approached the Red Rocket, his attention was pulled by the Ink Spots playing over the radio. He stopped, the old song soothing his weary soul, and his eyes fell on a German Shepherd sniffing around.

"Hey fella," Nate knelt down, offering his hand. He'd always liked dogs, and this one seemed harmless enough.

"Arf," it whined, rubbing against his palm, his tail wagging.

"You out here all by yourself? Let's go," Nate whistled, the dog barked, ducking down and the bounded off in the direction Nate had been heading.

"Not alone anymore," Nate chuckled, following the dog.

The road to Concord was quiet, and as Nate made the final approach, the dog barreled off, catering right into two oversized mosquito-looking things.

"Seriously? Mare bugs?”

Nate aimed his gun and fired, dropping one, and then the second, blood splattering the road, and Nate shook his head. This world was a mess. He circled the carcass they'd been draining.

Is that—a cow?

"Ya, bastard," he gagged, the smell was riper than the last nappy he'd changed on that boy of his.

The dog took off again

"Wait up—I've been on ice for—”

Shots fired up ahead, Nate ducked, and peeked around the building, the dog fell in line beside him. Concord was full of trouble. These folk's attention was on the Museum of Freedom. Laser fire rained down, and Nate's gaze traced it back to the balcony, only just making out the figure on the defensive.

"Looks like they could use our help, boy. What do you say?"

They took cover, and slowly pushed their way forward, Nate's ears ringing with each shot. It'd been awhile since he'd been in combat, his muscles burned, but he'd be damned if he let these raider types win.

One of them fell back, reloading and the mutt saw his chance, and in a flash of fur, he was on the guy's leg. The shock sent his weapon flying, and Nate took aim, and put the man down. His eyes trailed over the various bits of armor covering the corpse, and he made quick work of scavenging them for his own protection. The shotgun was a nice bonus, Nate finished what the guy started, loading the gun up and pressed forward.

Together, Nate and the mutt cleared the street, the sun sinking lower, and Nate's resolve hardening. He'd lost Nora, Shaun, and Elspeth, and that was enough. Whoever these people were, they were not taking anymore lives today.

"I have Civilians inside! The Raiders are almost through the door! Please grab that laser rifle and help us!”

Nate had woken up 200 years into the future, right? Because the fella hollering at him from the balcony of the Museum of Freedom is dressed like someone out of one of those historical documentaries, the ones El used to watch and he was bloody sick of hearing about.

"A’right! Pipe doon! I'm coming!"

Laser musket, Nate quirked his brow as the guy disappeared. By his feet, a man lay dead, definitely not a Raider. He grabbed the questionable laser weapon, and the fusion cells.

"This is off tae a great start," he grumbled, swapping his new favorite weapon for the jury rigged laser musket. "Couldny find a bunch eh nice folks could ye? Had tae get stuck wi the psychopaths wantin' tae mince ye..."

The dog fell inline beside him as Nate reached for the museum door.

"Stay close boy," Nate murmured, his heart racing, his grip tight.

The lobby was a sudden assault to the senses, and Nate's ears rang, guns firing, bodies dropping, screams filling the air. The dog growled, lunging forward, Nate firing his newly acquired laser weapon. It kicked hard for something clearly thrown together, and Nate struggled to maintain aim as he advanced deeper into the fray.

"Who the fuck are you?!"

"Housekeepin'” Nate grunted, finding cover. ”I'm here tae clear oot the vermin..."

"You're dead!”

Nate proved that bastard wrong, cranking up another round. That Raider's head was nothin' but a slurry of singed goo as he slumped to his knees, falling from the balcony above.

"That was ... Aye that was ..."

Throwing up as you're being shot at by about six chemed-up miscreants was probably not the best idea in the world, but apparently his stomach disagreed with him.

"What's the matter?” one of them taunted. "You need mommy to come hold your hand?"

Nate wiped his mouth on his sleeve and loaded the weapon, peeking around the corner and lining the scope up on the one who had spoken.

"Mah mother would've knocked your teeth in, mate... Just for bein' an utter melt! Now how's about ye stop runnin' that jaw and come get familiar wi' mah new toy here."

Nate chanced it and took off, sprinting towards the doorway ahead of him. Bullets ricocheted past him. Bastards couldn't shoot for shit.

Thankfully he'd been here enough times to know the layout, and knew the potential blind spots for scummy lowlifes to hide and wait to pounce on him. He made quick work of the other raiders.

They were loud. They were clumsy. They were easy prey. Fucking amateurs.

He tried not to focus too much on the state of the museum, El loved this place, and earned herself a salary working here after class, as a guide and researcher

She would hate seeing it like this, broken, empty displays, walls torn, artifacts lost, or stolen... His heart clenched, and he busied his mind firing off another round, the Raider going down.

Two more to deal with, their heads turning just enough to warrant Nate's attention. He squirmed as this one fell into a pile of ash, the smell was almost worse than the dead cow outside. Almost.

"Jeezus!” his eyes snapped up. "Is that a Vertibird?”

The aircraft captured the remainder of the daylight, rain cascading through the ruined glass roof. The floor had collapsed, and he was extra careful where his footfalls landed, making way towards the stairs to secure the first floor.

As he approached the wee room with the history lessons he sometimes hears in his sleep, two more of them were bitching about the one from before, who didn't know how to mind his tongue.

"I ain't dying for this crap!"

Nate aimed the sight at the Raider.

"No your day, son... because ye definitely are..."

Nate squeezed the trigger and watched as the Raider's head evaporated into nothingness.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!"

"Just ye hold still till I crank this up... Oi!” Nate shouted as the second Raider took off.

He gave the painted scene another scrutinizing glance, the mural still seemed to hold up after all these years.

"Still think she could've painted me with bigger muscles."

His eyes rolled , pressing forward through the collapsed wall.

“Get yer arse back here... It'll only tickle... I promise!"

The Raider stumbled and Nate put a hole through him.

"Aww shit... Musta hit 'vaporise wee fannies' by accident. Mah bad—”

"...we're gonna come in there and skin every last one eh ya!"

Oh, are ye now? Too busy running their mouths, the two remaining Raiders walk right into his line of sight, side by side, through a hole in the wall... Nate's a hell of a shot. They were dead before they hit the floor.

"Tae be fair, I did warn ye..."

"Hey! In here!"

This fella is getting awfully bossy. Nate sighs and turns onto the balcony, slinging the laser rifle over his shoulder.

"Naebody ever teach ye breathing exercises? ...I can only go say fast, lad."

Nate's hand lands on the young fella's shoulder.

"Ye a'right, son?”

"Yeah! Yeah, We're okay. Thanks to you... I don't know who you are, but your timing is impeccable!”

Nate lights up a smoke, a habit he'd developed and El hated. It distracted him from the constant pain in his spine.

"Dogmeat brought you to us!” The frail old woman, sitting on the couch, shot him a smile.

Nate's eyes trailed around the room. One woman paced nervously, arms crossed around herself. Another guy sat against a desk, merely rocking and muttering to himself.

The final guy, dressed in greasy overalls, with hair he'd never seen outside his Dad's old photographs, was busy working over a terminal.

"Aye, he led me right to ye," Nate turned his attention back to the old woman.

"He brought you to us, because he knew we needed your help. Dogmeat is good like that."

"So he's your pup?"

She laughed at that. "Dogmeat belongs to no one, he's his own man. But he's chosen to stick by you for now. I saw it."

"Ye. Saw it?" Nate arched his brow.

"Mhm, old Mama Murphy has the sight, kid."

"The sight?" Nate repeated. "Aha."

"I can see a little of what was, what used to be and even what is. Right. Now." She smiled.

"Well if he's happy tae stick wi me, I'm happy tae keep him. Dugmeat here is quite the fighter!”

The pup barked, his tail wagging as Nate addressed the room, seemingly content with the attention he was receiving from Mam's Murphy.

"And who are the rest of you?"

Preston Garvey, Commonwealth Minutemen."

Well shit...

"Minutemen? Huh, maybe I have gone back in time..."

"Those are the Longs, Marcy and Jun, and this here is Sturges—”

"Hey..." the big guy chipped in.

"Just call me Nate, good Samaritan. Rescuer of damsels in distress...got yourselves intae a tight spot here have ye no?"

Garvey laughed, and the woman, Marcy, who'd been pacing the entire time, whirled around on them.

"Something funny? Because I'm not laughing!"

Nate was slightly taken aback by the spitfire attitude the lady was showing, but he held up his hands and took a drag of his cigarette.

"Easy, lass. I didnae mean to cause any offense."

She returned to her pacing.

"There's more outside. They have us trapped in here...We've been on the road for days... A week ago there were twenty if us, yesterday there was eight...now we're five... we need your help."

"Aye, I gathered when ye started yellin' at me from the balcony."

Preston chuckles as Marcy gives him a dirty look.

"She's no gonna shoot me is she?" Nate whispers to Garvey.

"Are you going to help us or not!?"

Nate takes another long drag of his smoke.

"Keep up wi that attitude, doll, and I'll turn round and walk right out the door—I'm petty by nature... My younger sister made me this way... She could be a stroppy cow tae."

"We've lost everything! And you're standing here making jokes like some... some... idiot child!"

"I hope she's no your recruitment officer...I'm inclined to say nae..."

"Marcy, please..."

The wee fella, Jun he recalls, suddenly speaks.

"Excuse my wife... We've been through hell... I know she appreciates the help."

Marcy scoffs at the man.

"Oh, shut up, Jun. I'm sorry to complain in front of the savior... Who's still standing around smoking while we wait for them to attack!"

"The only way in is the front door... From what I've seen so far ... These goons ain't one for subtlety... Taking a moment to breathe and assess the situation is important... I fully intend to help."

"Thank you," Garvey offered a slight smile, the relief evident in his voice. "We've been through hell. First the Gunners in Quincy, then the ghouls in Lexington and now this mess.

"Ghouls, what're ghouls?”

"You're really not from around here, are you?" Garvey frowned. "Ghouls are irradiated people. Most are folks just trying to get by. But some, their brains are rotted by radiation. You'll want to start clear."

"So, zombies? Fan-fucking-tastic."

Sturges chuckled at Nate's words, his blue eyes sparkling as their eyes met.

"You ain't never seen a ghoul? Feral or otherwise!? What, they don't educate you in those tin cans before they release you into the real world?”

Sturges' nods at the Pip-Boy on his wrist.

"I'd have guessed you'd scavenged that, but minus the raider guts I reckon those clothes ain't seen much action...probably got a nice set of teeth in that mouth too...Vault Dwellers are easy to spot...if you know what to look for."

"He's a Vault Dweller!?” Marcy chipped in again.

"What if I was ..."

"Well," Sturges' makes himself comfortable, leaning against the desk. "Vault Dwellers ain't usually known for their survivability skills..."

"This Vault dweller just painted the walls red with Raider guts ye cheeky arse... And I'd hardly call myself a Vault Dweller. I'm military, son... retired mind... But ye Dinny forget in a hurry. So how's about ye tell me what ye need so I can help get ye outta here, eh?”

Nate could feel his accent thicken and his nerves were fraying. He had a feeling he was going to need something stronger than a smoke for this shit

"There's a crashed Vertibird up on the roof, old school, military issue. You might have seen it. Well the previous owners left behind a seriously sweet goody. A full set of Cherry, T-45 Power Armor—"

"Power Armor?" Nate grinned. "Now ye're talking!"

"I know, right?!" Sturges mirrored his enthusiasm, his own smirk spreading his lips. "Problem is the suit's outta juice."

"You'll need a F-core battery." Garvey interjected,

"I'm aware of that," Nate smirked.

"There is one in the basement," Sturges sighed. "But we can't get to the damn thing. It's locked up behind a security gate. I've been trying to bypass security, but hacking ain't my fortay. Maybe you could give it a shot?”

"May I?” Nate moved over, his eyes already scanning the screen.

Be my guest."

Nate smiled, and cracked his knuckles, his fingers working over the keyboard.

"This really is your lucky day," Nate smirked, punching enter, the terminal approving his access. "All yours," Nate gestured, his grin widening.

"Well damn," Sturges laughed. "How did—"

"Now that would be telling, kid," Nate teased, winking. "Now, after I hop into that suit, what's next?”

"Then you get to rip off that bird's minigun—”

"Minigun? Oh, now we're talkin'!" Nate laughed, his hands already clenching.

"—get that fusion core, plug it into the Power Armor, and give the raiders outside an express ticket to hell, ye dig?”

"I can get behind that," Nate's jaw was set. He was going to enjoy this. "Watch and—"

"Careful, kid. Somethin' is coming, and it. Is. Angry." Mama Murphy chimed.

"What's coming?" Nate met the woman's stoned gaze. Normally he'd write off the ramblings of an old biddy... But something told him he should pay attention.

"It's lured by the noise—teeth and claws—and oh—it's horrible, kid!" Her eyes locked on his, Nate's gut dropping.

"Power Armor and a Minigun? I can handle it," Nate hoped.

"Be careful, kid." Mama Murphy warned, her eyes clouding over.

"I will. Dugmeat, stay. Protect the others,"

Nate looked to the dog, and the canine obeyed, his tail wagging.

"You seem like a tough Son o' a Bitch, New Guy. Don't fail us, now"

Nate snorted, heading back down the stairs and making his way to the basement. He could hear the raiders outside, yelling, their voices muffled, but their urgency apparent. He quickened his step, his eyes adjusting, and he frowned, the glow-y green object pulsing.

He pulled back the gate and grabbed the core, returning to the others. "Core retrieved. Get ready."

Nate passed through the other door, and headed for the roof, his eyes falling on the Power Armor. It was more rusty and dilapidated than he'd anticipated, but he'd work with it.

"Here goes nothin'"

The fusion core slid in, and the suit whirred to life, power rushing through the frame. Nate's grin was ear-to-ear, his fists clenched, and his mind focused. He unlocked the suit, ever-impressed as it opened for him to climb inside. "Ever a snug fit," he scoffed, grabbing hold of the Minigun and yanking it free. "Let's rock!"

"Boss! There's somebody up on the roof!" One of the Raiders screamed, his cry cut off as Nate opened fire, raider body parts raining down.

He had every intention of enjoying this, his brain releasing the hold he had on his grief as he leapt from the roof, landing heavily on the ground, the impact cracking the concrete.

He leveled the minigun, his feet carrying him forward, his brain sending the right commands, the muscles in his arms absorbing the kick of the weapon, the shells scattering, his ears ringing. The Raiders falling. His approach was relentless, his mood darkening, his shots landing true. The Raiders didn't stand a chance.

Raider corpses littered the streets, the remaining idiots taking cover. Nate didn't stop, his feet not giving, not even as the rain soaked through the suit's exterior, his eyes unfazed as a Raider bolted from her cover and ran screaming down the street. Nate raised the minigun, bullets ripping through her flesh.

His eyes dated to his left, a grate flew upwards, and his eyes had to be fucking with him again. Even clad in Power Armor, Nate stepped back as hell itself seemed to claw its way out of the darkness below. "What the f—"

Its roar shook everything around them, the creature's claws sliced through a nearby Raider, reducing him to nothing. The remaining raiders broke from their cover and bolted, their legs carrying them further down the street, screaming. The beast unleashed a spine tingling roar, and turned its attention on Nate, its jaw unhinging, revealing razor sharp teeth as it charged him on all fours.

Nate instinctively leveled the Minigun, his finger squeezing, his feet carrying him backwards. Each bullet that tore through the creature's flesh, seemed only to enrage it even more. The barrel flared red, and Nate cursed, dodging the creature's incoming strike, scrambling for the nearest building.

He was fast enough, the creature's claws missing their target—just.

"Come on! Come on!”

The Minigun cooled, and Nate readied his stance, the creature roaring as Nate opened fire. His heart pounding, his knuckles had to be white, pushing it back—step by step.

Each bullet finding its mark, the beast's eyes fixed on him—closer and closer— saliva dripping. The damn gun clicked empty, and Nate stumbled backwards, the Minigun flying, and the creature lunged.

His vision flared white as the creature connected, its weight pinning him, Nate's head smacking the pavement. The wind knocked clean out of his lungs. Fuck this thing was huge. It pinned him, its clawed paws tearing through the suit like butter, its razor sharp teeth inches from his face. Nate's heart hammered against his ribs, and he fought for control, his armored fist swinging and landing, the creature snarled.

He grabbed it's throat, the suit beeping and flaring as it responded to the pressure, the creature's saliva dripping. Nate roared back, his muscles aching as he applied pressure, his suit whirring as it helped him gain the upper hand, tearing at its throat until his grip closed over its trachea.

Nate squeezed, the beast struggling, its claws fighting, its teeth gnashing. Nate pushed harder, his anger and frustration taking the reigns, his suit whirring until finally, the creature went limp. Nate gasped, his strength fading, his muscles screaming. The adrenaline drained, and Nate struggled to catch his breath, his grip slacking and the creature's lifeless form crushing him further.

He gasped, coughing, his limbs refusing to obey his brain's commands. Nate groaned, the suit beeping incessantly. His vision blurring, his eyes fighting to stay focused. His lungs screamed, his body hurt. He was done for.

"Get'it off him!"

"C'mon!"

Nate's blurred vision struggled to comprehend who the voices belonged to, his body failing him as more figures joined.

"Jesus Christ! On three!"

"One, two, three! Pull!"

"Easy!" Nate cried, his ribs and chest burning, the suit whirring again.

Sturges rolled him, the suit hissing open, and Nate gasped, his breaths raspy and gargled.

"Oh shit, easy Vaultie," Sturges knelt beside him. "We gotcha."

"I—I—canna breathe," Nate croaked, his limbs failing him.

"Yeah, being crushed by a Deathclaw will do that...just hold still," Sturges' voice was gentle, comforting and Nate tried not to think about the pain.

A sharp jab hit him in the heart from behind and Nate gasped, his lungs filling with air, relief flooding him.

"Just breath, Nate. We're here," Garvey's hand joined Sturges to haul him out the suit, both men staggering under his weight.

"Nice swing Vaultie," Sturges grunted, staggering under Nate's weight, his arm draped over their shoulders.

"Death—claw?" Nate wheezed. "The fuck is it?”

"Trouble," Sturges chuckled, half dragging Nate across the street towards a bench. "Big, nasty trouble."

"Tell you what. For saving us, we're gonna haul your ass up this Hill to the place Mama Murphy found for us. Sanctuary Hills? It's perfect," Garvey's voice was encouraging, his arm firmly holding Nate upright.

"Ye don't say," Nate groaned, his ribs aching.

"Trust me, you'll thank me."

Sanctuary was closer than Nate realized, or maybe it was the chem Garvey stabbed him with, but before he realized it, they were on his old street.

"Master Nate!” Codsworth sounded genuinely worried, his thrusters kicking up dust as the robot hovered over. "Oh dear, looks like you've seen better days."

"Deathclaw," Nate croaked, leaning heavier on Garvey.

"Deathclaw? Sir! You're not even out of that Vault a day and you're fighting Deathclaws?" Codsworth scolded.

"Codsworth! Pipe doon, son! My heed is poundin','' Nate groaned, his ribs throbbing.

"Apologies, sir. But Deathclaw?"

"Codsworth...what did I just say?”

"Of course, sir. Let's get you inside and cleaned up."

Sturges and Garvey supported Nate, guiding him inside the Watt's old home and lowering him onto the couch. "My bag. Med-X," Nate grunted, his ribs burning.

"Of course," Garvey rummaged around and produced the injector. "You seem—familiar with this place?”

Nate accepted the Med-X, his knuckles white as he injected the syringe contents. "Nathanial Alasdair Watt. War Veteran—just thawed out," he groaned, the chems finally hitting his system and numbing his injuries.

"Do you mean—"

"Not a damn Vault Dweller," Nate smirked, his eyes finding the ceiling.

"Fuck!" Sturges added, the pair slumping down on either side of him.

"My sister's password... She worked part time at the museum... And as smart as she is...she's predictable... and I had my very own suit of Power Armor..." Nate's eyes were heavy, sleep beckoning. "I'm no stranger to a fight."

"Did anyone else make it out?" Garvey's voice was soft.

"My son, somebody murdered my wife and took him. He's not even a year old. Everybody else. Gone," Nate closed his eyes, his body relaxing.

"I'm sorry, Nate. I promise, we'll help you find him." Garvey's voice faded, the chems pulling him under.

Love in the Crosshairs: Just the Thing I need

Some notes!

(Love in the Crosshairs is my Nate and MacCready series 🙌 Part one begins Vanilla blends into SS2's storyline and jumps between Nate and Mac's POV)

(Note on the title: When Jake did his "Why it's an ASAM, just the thing I need!" I was fully invested in Sim Settlements 2 🤣)

Now that I have finally complete SS2, I know exactly how this whole thang plays out 💪🏻 I got 4 chapters for ya! (and then some...but those ain't in order yet 🤣)

----

Relationships: Nate & MacCready (father-son dynamic🙌), Nate/Jake Evans (SS2) MacCready/Sturges

Chapter 1: War Never Changes.

(I've posted this prologue before...but I have more chapters!)

Sanctuary Hills October 23, 2077.

Deep red leaves rustled in the crisp autumn air as the sun began to creep up over the hillside, casting a murky haze over the serene show of contemporary suburban living, America's "Homes of the Future." The residents of Sanctuary Hills lived in blissful ignorance as the world held its breath to the ever-present threat of Nuclear Devastation. Amidst the suburban sprawl, the morning sun warmed the cheeks of Nathanial Alasdair Watt, Nate to his nearest and dearest.

Nate leaned over a dusty blue cot, his eyes not quite believing that the soft and squishy bundle snoring away was his son. Months old already, how long would it be before he would be chasing after him around the cul-de-sac? With a lingering glance over Shaun, Nate slipped out of his room and stepped into the hallway, closing the door softly behind him. The house was quiet, and Nate's footsteps echoed in the empty hall, leading him to the kitchen.

"Ah, Master Nate! Good morning, sir!” Codsworth chirped, his eye stalks flitting in greeting. "Your coffee. 173.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Brewed to perfection!"

"Ah'll take yer word for it," Nate yawned, a fond smile spreading across his face as he reached for the steaming mug of coffee.

"Ah, of course, my apologies, Sir. 78.61 degrees Celcius!"

Nate snorted. "I flunked maths, son. Just say it's hot."

Codsworth let out a chuckle. "Ah, I forgot, the young miss is the brains of the operation."

"Aye, that she is. But she'll no be without a proper feedin'. Could you go rouse her for me?" Nate asked.

"Of course, Sir! Right away!" Codsworth trilled, floating away towards El's room.

"Good luck wi' that," Nate muttered, shaking his head. El liked her sleep, that one.

Nate chuckled, running a hand over his head, and frowned at the resistance. Big speech tonight. He could hardly rock up looking a scruffy mess, could he? With a sigh, he set his mug down and stretched out his back on the way to the bathroom.

"Lemme Sleep, Codsworth..."El's voice drifted through her door.

Ah, to be 19 again. Nate shook his head, smirking to himself as he turned to the closed-over bathroom door, a wide smile pulling in his cheeks when Nora's sweet voice filtered through, Shaun's favorite lullaby on her tongue. Nate would never tire of it or how her voice sent shivers down his spine.

"You're up early. How's my little man?" she asked as he stepped through the door. "I'm assuming you've been in there five times already?"

Nora, even under those horrid fluorescent bulbs, looked stunning. He caught her eye in the mirror she was brushing her hair in and gave her a wink. Nate took a few steps toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips brushing her neck. She hummed and leaned back into his embrace.

"What can I say, doll? Just like his mother, I cannae believe he's mine," Nate murmured, burying his face in her soft, icy-brown hair. "I keep thinkin' somebody's gonna pinch me, and I'll wake up from this dream."

Nora twisted in his arms, her green eyes sparkling. "You're a wonderful father, Nate. You shouldn't doubt yourself!"

"I hope so," Nate said, his ears growing hot. Nora knew him too well, and his bashful side never could stand up to her praise.

"I think Beth would agree with me. I mean, you practically raised that girl!"

Nate ducked his head and pressed a kiss to her nose. "She dotes on you, ye ken? She won't admit it, but she does."

"I like her too. I'm glad she's here. Now, care to explain why you interrupted my morning ritual?" Nora teased.

"I need some pamperin'," he raised his eyebrows. "Cannae hae this 'decorated war hero' looking like common street riff-raff, now can we?"

"Hmm," Nora smirked. "I dunno, that rugged Viking look is growing on me, Nathanial."

"Ooh, using my full name, eh?" he teased. "Am I in trouble, then, Mrs Watt?"

"You're always trouble, Nathanial Watt," Nora giggled.

"Tell the truth, doll. That's the real reason you married me, wasn't it?" Nate smirked. "That and the accent, aye?"

She rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove away, returning to the mirror. Nate's grin lingered, his hands sliding to her waist. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and rested his chin upon it, gazing at her reflection. She met his eyes, a warmth and tenderness reflected at him.

"I love you, lass," he murmured against her hair, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. "More than I can say."

Nora didn't speak, only leaned back, melting against him, a familiar gesture that spoke volumes. Nate's arms tightened, and he closed his eyes, wishing they could stay like that forever.

"Go get your trimmer; I'll at least neaten you up a little," Nora said, her voice thick. "Then, I'll see about breakfast."

Nate pressed one last kiss to her head and drew a sharp breath. "Yes, ma'am."

"—war never changes,” Nate sighed, the steamy air heavy with the weight of his speech.

“You're gonna knock 'em dead at the Veteran's Hall tonight, hon,” Nora purred, her fingers massaging the knots from his shoulders.

"Ye think?" Nate relaxed against her touch, letting his eyes flutter shut.

"Absolutely. Now get ready and stop hogging the mirror..."

"Right," Nate snorted. He stepped away and let Nora take his place. "You might want to fix the buttons on your blouse, love."

He couldn't help a small smirk tugging on his lips as she re-buttoned her blouse, not quite meeting his gaze.

"Wipe that smug look off your face, Mr. Watt! You're the reason I never get anything done around here!" Nora teased.

Nate couldn't help bursting out laughing. "Why dae ye think I bought Codsworth?"

"Out!" Nora laughed, pushing him towards the door.

"Love ye too, darlin'." Nate gave her a mock salute and stumbled out of the bathroom.

"Miss Elspeth, breakfast was served thirty minutes ago!" Codsworth's muffled voice met him through the opposing door.

"Codsy! Bugger off!...and 'ave told ye… it's Beth!" came El's equally muffled reply.

"My, my. For such a brilliant young mind, Miss Beth, your language leaves much to be desired."

"Get tae fuck, or I'll turn ye into a toaster!" El spat back, a bit louder this time.

"By God! I don't believe General Atomics programmed me with enough patience for this!" Codsworth sighed.

"I'll handle this." Nate interrupted, opening the door.

"Good luck, that child's got the mouth of a drunkard."

"I'm weeks away from twenty ye daft bucket o' bolts!" El retorted.

Codsworth sighed, bobbing past him a little less chipper than before. Poor bugger.

Nate chuckled and shook his head. Wearing that damn onesie, she was akin to an overgrown toddler in a babygro. El glared at him, her hazel eyes flashing with a fire that reflected his own, her cheeks flushed, auburn hair still a tangled mess, reminding him exactly why he opted for a smooth dome.

"Arse. Up. Now. Or I promise you I'll cancel that comic subscription I already reluctantly pay for."

El's eyes narrowed, a defiant glint remaining, a slight smirk curving her lips. "Ye wouldnae dare."

"Try me," Nate raised a brow and folded his arms. "And to rub it in, I'll replace it with one about all the latest fashion trends, braw big frilly skirts and whatnot..."

"Fine. Ye win." El rolled her eyes, sauntering past him.

"Smart move," Nate smirked.

"Bite me!" El snapped, stomping into the now vacant bathroom.

Nate chuckled, shaking his head, and approached the kitchen, his stomach growling in anticipation.

"Breakfast is served sir," Codsworth set down a plate of eggs and toast.

"Thanks. And if ye need the afternoon off to recharge after the morning ye've had, you take it!" Nate smirked.

"A good show of humor, sir, but with a steady supply of Mr. Handy fuel, I am proud to serve!" Codsworth chirped.

"Attaboy."

"Your thoughts?" Nora's voice drifted over him, snapping his attention back to the present.

Nate blinked, glancing at his wife. She was studying him, her brows knitted. Damn. "I'm worried about her, doll. She won't admit it, but she's been having trouble sleeping again. I cannae remember the last time I saw her without dark circles under her eyes."

"She's just stressed. It's been a big year for her. Why don't you take her away for a few days? It's been a while since you two had time together," Nora suggested. "You could take a little road trip or something?"

"Aye, I'd been considering it, but I can hardly leave you with the wee one, can I?"

"I've got Codsworth to help. And besides, Shaun's not exactly a handful." Nora grinned, nudging him. "Take her. Trust me, she needs it."

Nate chewed his lip, his brows furrowed. Maybe she had a point. El had always loved his impromptu adventures.

"Okay, I'll talk to her about it—"

"Talk to me about what?" El asked, walking into the living room, her frown deepening as she looked between them. "I'm sorry! I know I've been—"

"No, stop right there! " Nate shushed her. "Ye don't go apologizing...I know you've been overloaded lately with all your projects."

El shrugged, dropping onto the couch beside him, her eyes fixed on the TV. "Yeah, I guess. It's just a lot, and I—"

"Deserve a break? Me and Nora reckon you've earned one," Nate grinned, nudging her. "So, how about we take off in a day or two? It's been a while since we've done a drive together, just you and me?"

"Wait, you're serious?" El stared at him, a smile breaking across her face, but her frown returned as she turned to Nora. "You're okay with that?"

"Are you kidding? Some peace and quiet, hell yeah, I'm okay with that," Nora barked a laugh. "And Codsworth's here to help, so I'll be fine."

"I like her, Nate. Can we keep her?" El smirked.

Nate's laughter bubbled, shaking his head. "Aye, she's a keeper, alright."

Nora gave them a fond smile, rising from the couch."Alright, you two, I'm going to help Codsworth tidy up, give you time to plan."

"Thanks, love," Nate's fingers curled hers as she pulled away, before turning his attention back to El.

"So, short-stop, any votes on where ye want tae go?"

"Laurey, Virginia—"

"The Caverns, again, lass?" Nate's eyebrow quirked.

"Come on, it's been months since we went to D.C. We could do a day trip to Laurey and then spend the rest of our time exploring the Capital!"

"Fine, but that damn mole costume is stayin' put!" Nate chuckled.

"She looked adorable in that thing. Never know, maybe she'll catch someone's eye!" Nora's laughter floated over them from the kitchen, and Nate grinned.

El blushed, her hand rubbing against the back of her head sheepishly. "I'll stick to studying, ta—"

"Quite right. I don't think there'd be many nerdy, bookworm Spelunkers out there that could put up with your pish!" He couldn't resist.

El's nose wrinkled, and her eyes narrowed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence—jackass."

Nate snorted and leaned back, his arms draped over the back of the couch, tuning into the TV.

The same usual shite.

A knocking came to the door, and Nora sighed. "It's probably that salesman. He's been trying all morning, insisting he talks to you."

"Oh, great." Nate rolled his eyes and lurched out of the sofa.

An all-smiles fella in a trenchcoat greeted him when he opened the door, stepping forward. "Good morning! Vault-Tec calling!"

"Sup, chief," he deadpanned, leaning against the doorframe.

"You can't begin to know how happy I am to finally speak with you. I've been trying for days. It's a matter of utmost urgency, I assure you," the rep explained.

Nate frowned—something about the guy's tone made him nervous.

"Alright, son, I'm here now."

"So you are, so you are,' the rep chuckled. "I'm here today to tell you that because of your family's service to our country, you have been pre-selected for entrance into the local Vault. Vault 111. I just need to verify some information. That's all! Don't want there to be any hold ups, in the unforeseen event of *ahem*...total atomic annihilation."

"But there's room for my entire family, right?"

"Of course. Of course! Minus your robot, naturally."

"Oi, Codsworth is family!" El retorted, appearing at his side, her eyes narrowed. "He's a wee gem! We can't just leave him!"

Nate's hand fell upon his sister's shoulder, squeezing it. "General Atomics promised Codsworth could survive anything, even a nuclear blast," he reminded her, her sentiment mirrored in his heart. "Go. I've got it from here."

El nodded, a defiant glint remaining in her eyes, but she stepped aside.

Nate glanced at the rep, his unease growing."All right, let's have it."

"Splendid, splendid. Let's get to it. Just need you to fill out this paperwork, and we're all done. Won't take but a moment."

The rep pulled a clipboard out of his briefcase and held it out towards him.

Nate frowned, his jaw tense, glancing down at the stack of papers. He took the clipboard and scanned the pages, his frown deepening.

"What makes me 'S.P.E.C.I.A.L?' That's a bit on the nose, is it no? And this whole damn thing seems a wee bit excessive, no offense, son."

"None taken! It's simply a matter of determining what roles you may be able to undertake in a new life underground!"

"Well, lucky for us, we have a certified vault technician in our fold. My sister just finished her Masters at C.I.T. Did a whole project around Vault safety and maintenance," Nate couldn't help the proud smile creeping into his cheeks.

"Masters? At C.I.T?" the rep's eyebrows shot up. "My, my, that's impressive."

"Aye, she got the brains of the family. I clearly got the looks," Nate joked, handing the clipboard back to the rep. "Think that's everything, chief."

"Wonderful! That's..." he skimmed over the documents, smiling. "Yes, indeed, that is everything... just gonna walk this over to the Vault! Congratulations on being prepared for the future!"

"Aye, thanks..." Nate forced a smile, his jaw still tense. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I have a wee one who needs a bit of a feed."

"Of course, have a great day, sir, ma'am!" The Vault-Tec rep tipped his hat and strolled off, the tension in the man's shoulders not lost on him.

He watched the rep go, his instincts prickling as he stepped back inside."Something aboot that didn't sit right, did it, El?"

"I didn't like it, Nattie. You don't think he's doing this because—"

"Elspeth, don't get him started," Nora interrupted, her voice strained. "It's just a precaution, that's all."

Nate swallowed his throat tight. "Maybe ye're right, doll, but just in case, we should double-check the go bags."

Shaun's wails rang through the house. Cutting through his words, Codsworth followed.

"Master Nate. Shaun has been changed, but he absolutely refuses to calm down. I think he needs some of that "paternal affection" you seem to be so good at."

"I've got 'im." Nate smiled and strode down the hall, his unease lingering. Nora's footfalls followed.

"Right, ye wee gremlin," Nate teased, sweeping a finger over Shaun's cheek. Shaun's cries grew fainter, his teary gaze fixed on Nate.

"Spin the mobile a bit. He loves that," Nora cooed, stepping up beside him.

Nate gave the mobile a gentle spin. Shaun's gaze drifted to the spinning rockets, green eyes wide, and his cries now soft whimpers. Nora brushed Nate's arm with her hand.

"Maybe we should go out later, a walk in the park?"

"And miss the World Series on TV? Not going to happen." Nate smirked. "But tomorrow, I'm all yours! I promise."

"I'll hold you to—"

"Sir? Mum? You should come and see this!" Codsworth's urgent voice drifted over them.

Nate frowned, exchanging a glance with Nora. "Codsworth?"

"I've got Shaun," Nora assured him, scooping the baby up.

Nate hurried out of the nursery, a knot forming in his gut, his blood rushing. "Codsworth? What is it, son?"

"Sir... the news..."

El was perched on the couch, her knuckles white around her backpack, its contents organized on the coffee table. "They actually did it."

"Did what, lass?" Nate frowned, sitting beside her.

“—followed by... yes, followed by flashes. Blinding flashes. Sounds of explosions..." the news anchor caught his attention. "We're... we're trying to get confirmation…But we seem to have lost contact with our affiliate stations."

"What? What is he saying?" Nora's voice drifted over them. "…Oh no.”

“...We do have... coming in... confirmed reports. I repeat, confirmed reports of nuclear detonations in New York and Pennsylvania…My God.”

The screen crackled, and the signal was lost. Nate's gaze fixed on the 'Please Stand By' screen. His mouth ran dry, a cold sweat prickling across his forehead.

"We have to get to the Vault. Now! Get all that back in the bag. I'll grab the rest." Nate blurted, his heart pounding against his ribs.

"Nattie...I'm scared."

"We're goin' tae be fine, El. We've prepared for this...You two wait for me outside!" Nate instructed, racing into their bedroom.

He yanked open the closet, his hands trembling, hauling out his and Nora's packs, followed by Shaun's. He slung them over his shoulder and hurried through the house for the front door—stopping on the threshold, glancing over his shoulder at Codsworth.

The Mr. Handy's eye stalks flitted over him, and he glided forward. "Goodbye, sir. May I say what an honor it has been to serve you and your family!"

"Ye've done us proud, son...maybe we could—"

"Now, don't you worry about me, sir! You have your family to think about. Go on."

Nate nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "Thank you, Codsworth..."

"He'll be alright, won't he?" El's voice pulled his attention.

He stepped onto the sidewalk and grabbed his sister's hand. "He'll be fine. Now c'mon, we gotta move!"

They raced down the road, Nora ahead of him, Shaun cradled against her chest. Nate swallowed hard, his hand tightening around El's. His mind raced. Vault-Tec. The rep—he knew something was up. That bastard knew this was coming!

"Nattie?" El tugged his arm, slowing.

"We're almost there, lass. Keep moving! Come on, we're nearly there—"

"We're on the list!" Nora's frantic voice greeted them, and Nate frowned as that Vault-Tec rep darted by them.

A soldier blocked their way, checking over a clipboard."Infant... Adult male... Two adult females... OK, go ahead."

Nate's heart pounded. It was real. This was really happening. They climbed the hill and clambered onto the platform, his arms circling Nora and El.

"Almost there, we're gonna be alright. I love you, all of you." Nate murmured, his pulse throbbing in his ears.

"We love you too," Nora whispered, her gaze locked on his.

The sky lit up with blinding white light, and the ground shook beneath their feet. A deafening roar filled the air. Nate's eyes widened as a mushroom cloud grew colossal in the sky. The blast waves thunder towards them, and El buried her face against his chest. He closed his eyes, bracing for impact.

"Send it down now!" a desperate voice shouted.

An orchestra of "Oh gods" and terrorized screams flooded his ears. The platform shuddered beneath them. His arms held tighter.

The blast crossed over them. The screams echoed, his breaths shortening, the pressure around his ribcage suffocating.

He held Nora, his lips pressed to her head, praying she couldn't hear his racing heartbeat.

The light faded, and the shockwave died, his ears still ringing.

The platform shuddered to a halt.

His eyes met Nora's, tears streaming down her face.

They had made it.

"Everyone, please step off the elevator and proceed up the stairs in an orderly fashion," the Vault-Tec security guard that greeted them instructed.

El clung to him as Nate made a move to follow the others, her breaths ragged and short. He glanced at Nora, Shaun sleeping soundly in her arms.

"She'll be okay. We're right behind ye," Nate murmured. "We just need a minute."

Nora nodded, her hand resting on his shoulder. "We won't be far. I'll go find out what's what."

"Be right with ye," Nate murmured, kneeling to meet El's gaze. "Hey, hey, look at me, lass. Look at me. Deep breaths. In and out. Like we practiced."

El's eyes flicked up to his, wide and fearful. She bit her lip, nodding. Her next shaky intake of breath was longer.

"Good, lass. Again. In and out."

She followed his lead, and soon enough, El's breaths steadied as her panic subsided, her grip on his loosening.

"You're a natural," Nate grinned, easing himself up.

El didn't respond and instead stood closer. His arm circled her, guiding them toward the vast cog-shaped doorway that loomed above them. Nate's heart beat faster. This was home now, for better or worse.

"It's impressive, eh? No wonder ye wouldny pipe doon about these Vaults!" Nate quipped.

El glanced at him, a faint smirk pulling in her cheeks. Nate squeezed her shoulder, their footsteps ringing as they climbed the metal stairs.

His eyes found Nora as they crossed the metal walkway. An orderly queue had formed behind her as she was collecting something up ahead.

Nora handed him a sealed bag and another for El. He eyed it, noting the '111' matching the jumpsuits some staff were wearing.

"What, do they no' come in a braw purple or maybe fluorescent green?"

El snorted at that, a wry smile curling her lips, and Nate's heart lifted a little. She was okay.

"Just follow the doctor here. He'll show you where to go," one of the scientists instructed.

"Lead the way, doc."

As Nora chatted with the doctor, El pulled away, her steps a little firmer, her gaze still far away.

Nate was drawn to the sudden bite in the air, a shiver running through him as he followed. People chatted, residents to Vault staff. Everyone seemed as edgy as he felt. They were led to a larger room filled with 'decontamination pods,' he was told as he was led towards one.

His attention pulled back to El, her belongings dropping to her feet. She stepped in front of them as one of the staff members attempted to collect them.

"I'm sorry, miss, but you cannot take your—"

Without a word, El unveiled a lanyard from around her neck and fixed them with a stern eye.

"You're a Vault-Tec intern? Very well, but be assured, vault-tec will not be held accountable if anything were to be damaged or stolen."

El nodded, her jaw set, and Nate couldn't help a smirk. Stubborn wee devil. Nate stripped to his boxers and tugged on his Vault suit, his skin prickling.

"Could ye's no have turned on the heatin'? It's colder than a polar bear's arse in here!" Nate grumbled.

El was already suited in her's when he looked up again, leaning against her pod, shoulders slumped, a blank expression set over her feature—still not back to herself yet.

"Can you hold him?" Nora asked, pulling his thoughts. Shaun curled up against her chest.

"Of course, love," Nate scooped him up, letting Nora get herself situated. He walked over to El, her fingers brushing Shaun's cheek, a weak smile curling her lips.

"Ye gonna be alright in there? I know how you get in tight spaces."

She held up her backpack, patting it fondly. Of course, she was always packed for every occasion.

"Right then, guess we'll see ye soon," Nate tried, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Okay, I can take him," Nora's hand rested on his arm, and Nate reluctantly handed Shaun over and planted a kiss against her cheek.

Nate climbed into his pod, and with a hiss, the lid descended, his breath misting the glass. His eyes locked onto Nora's, her gaze locked on him as her own pod closed, and she bounced Shaun in her arms.

"Just try to relax," the doctor reassured.

Nate nodded, pressing his hand against the glass. "Time for a whole new life."

"Resident secure. Occupant vitals: Normal," a robotic voice filled his ears.

A rush of cold flooded his pod. Nate's pulse spiked, his next breath shuddering.

"Procedure complete. In 5... 4..."

With every beat of the countdown, his vision whitened. Frost intertwined his eyelashes with every blink—everything faded.

Nate blinks away the frost that clings to his eyelashes, stretching his jaw to loosen the remainder of his beard and whiskers. It was a cold that hung as heavy as iron chains. Every breath stung his chest like swallowing broken glass as violent coughs wreck through him.

"...Critical failure in Cryogenic Array. All vault residents must vacate immediately," The computerized voice echoed through the intercom, and a hiss filled his ears.

As the pod door lifts away, Nate's still-thawing limbs do nothing to prevent him from stumbling forward. His knees crack against the slick steel floor, a haze of mist following him. He didn't dare look up, unwilling to face the truth that the nightmare was real. But there was no escaping the memories that assaulted every fiber of his being: Nora's please, Shaun's cries as they tear him from his mother's embrace. Nate's own screams—lost in the deafening Gunshot that silenced Nora and continued to echo as Shaun's heartbreaking wails faded away—the face that mets him and the words that followed:

At least we still have the backup.

"That scar-faced bastard! Why did he have tae—"

"...Critical failure in Cryogenic Array. All vault residents must vacate immediately,"

"Oh, shut up!" Nate yelled as he snapped his head back. "Can ye no see I'm havin' a moment, ye pushy cow!"

Blissful silence filled the chamber once more, and Nate breathed a sigh of relief. As if another entity had taken control of his body, he stood to his full height and ambled forward. His steps were clumsy, and fog engulfed the room as he moved toward Nora's pod. The faint glint of gold caught his eye. Her wedding band shined through the condensation. His fingers trailed over the icy glass.

Nora, his best friend, the woman he pledged his entire life to. Her rosy cheeks were now dusted blue, fear still painted in her expression. Her arms were so painfully absent—Shaun. He's just a baby, and they tore him out of her arms. Nate's knees buckled some, jolting him forward, and he braced himself, breaths coming out in rasps, his lungs constricting, the very walls closing in. His eyes opened over his wedding ring, a matching piece—he'd be dammed if he was leaving her's behind.

"C'mon! C'mon! There has tae be a release!" Nate barked, desperation bleeding into his brogue as he stepped back to take in the pod, reaching for the lever at its side.

His breath held as Nora's pod opened to him. Slowly, reverently, he slipped the ring off her finger, ignoring the spiderwebbing of frosted blood that now decorated her jumpsuit.

"I'll find who did this, and I'll get Shaun back...I promise," Nate's tremblings slipped Nora's wedding band above his own, and pulled the level to reseal his wife. The door hissed shut, and the frost formed on Nora's pod window. Nate's tears froze on his face, and he stumbled back, his own thawing limbs failing him as he hit the vault floor. He lay there for what felt like an eternity, before finally gathering enough strength to pull himself together.

"Elspeth," he whispered, crawling to his sister's pod. Her features still frozen, that bloody pip-pad clutched between her fingers. Nate clenched his fists and breathed before his shaky hands grip the lever release to El's cryopod, and he is met with an immediate sharp, jolting buzz that has him staggering back.

"Malfunction in Cryo Pod manual release override." A robotic female voice announces over the intercom.

"No-no-no! C'mon! I need tae open this damn thing!" Nate pulls the handle harder. Again, the error noise frays his nerves, not releasing. "Come on!" He presses a palm to the frost-covered glass, feeling the cold sting on his hand. "El!" Tears stream down his cheeks, warm against the cold fog surrounding him. "No. This can't-" His forehead rests against the pod. He closes his eyes tightly and sobs. “Ye cannae do this! I just need tae get El!"

His mind falls back to the terminal those scientist-looking folks were working on when they were after Shaun, how they opened Nora's pod. Nate spins on his heels and sprints forward, almost pummeling into the console as he slides to a halt.

"Right, c'mon. Ye can do this, it's just a computer," Nate squints at the screen with a shaky breath, gingers still stiff from his suspended animation, rattling the keys, jumping through the entries as quickly as his frozen digits allow.

*************** Welcome to ROBCO Industries (TM) Termlink ***************

Thank you for choosing Vault-Tec!

>Cryogenic Array: Offline. Premature termination resulting in system failure. Isolated manual and remote overrides detected. Controls disabled.

>Life Support: Offline. Premature termination resulting in system failure. Isolated manual and remote overrides detected. Controls disabled.

Pod Occupant Status

POD C1: Miss Watt

>Occupant status: Deceased. Cause of Death: Asphyxiation due to Life Support failure.

*****************************************************************************

It takes several moments for him to comprehend the words laid bare.

Every occupant record painted the same picture: Cause of Death: Asphyxiation.

"No," Nate sobbed, his fist slamming into the console. "No, she can't be, she can't—Elspeth!...”

Nate collapses, his knees slamming on the steel, fingers clawing at the frost-covered ground, and a scream rips through him, a blood-curdling wail that echoes out in the empty chamber. Every cell in his body is alight, a sickening, bitter cold fire. His shoulders shake violently, and he balls his fists, pounding them to the floor until his knuckles are raw. He barely feels the biting pain as the fight seeps away, leaving him drained, tears frozen on his cheeks.

Nate doesn't move for a long moment—left alone with his thoughts and the steady Drip. Drip. Drip. of frost melting. His little sister is dead. They're both gone. It would be easy to submit to his grief, crumple over, and lose himself in the pain—but they have his son. He has to find Shaun, even if all he has left is a warped image of a man who ruined his world. A scar-faced bastard whom Nate committed to memory. His fingers curl around the chain of his dog tags, fidgeting the wedding bands between bloodied knuckles, the cold metal grounding him, and as Nate grits his teeth, steeling his heart, and sets his jaw, he stands.

A silent vow plays on his lips: For Shaun. For Nora. And for El. He would rain fire upon whoever took them from him, even if it meant tearing whatever world awaited him apart, one bullet at a time.

He vows it as he looks upon El's face. Russet frost-bitten curls drape across her forehead. A picture so peaceful she may as well be sleeping.

He vows it as his lips graze Nora's cheek before resealing the pod, committing his love's image to memory.

He vows it as his fingers trace Shaun's name, etched in ink within the tan line of his wedding band.

There had to be someone around, Vault Tec staff, maybe someone hid, someone survived. Anyone. Nate forced himself to move, and limped towards the exit. It was slow going, his muscles burning, and his joints ache.

"Hello?! Anyone?!" He stumbled through the door, retracing the steps they'd taken minutes before. Water dripped. Rusted metal. It made no sense. "Am I the only one left?”

Nate caught himself on the wall, the burning in his lungs catching his breath—the coughing that wrecked his body had him holding his chest like it was the only way to keep the air from escaping all together.

‘Just breath Nattie.’

"Oh God, Elspeth," he choked back a sob, falling against the wall, the metal cold on his face. "I can't—I cant--" He coughed again, the spasms sending him to his knees. He'd failed everyone, Nora, Elspeth, Shaun, everyone. Maybe if they'd stayed, got in the car and drove—maye, just maybe they'd have found somewhere safe, somewhere better than here.

He didn't know how long he sat there, the ringing in his ears so loud, his tears so thick he couldn't even see anymore. It took everything he had to pull himself up, and even longer to realize the door they'd passed through was sealed shut. Forcing him another way.

Movement caught in the corner of his eye, and Nate grabbed for the security baton, slowing pacing through the corridor. "Hello?!" He yelled, his voice echoing off the walls, bouncing back—something—a shadow, a rustle—moved, and Nate froze.

He had to dreaming, maybe the freeze box messed up his mind. A cockroach, bigger than a rat scuttled across the damp floor, it's wings pulsing as it seemed to size him up with equal suspicion. Nate backed away, his head pounding, his eyes darting between the insect and the door it was blocking.

"Why'd it have tae be giant beasties? Why couldnae it be something cute like a wee fluffy bunny rabbit?" Nate mutters, his brogue thickening. "Ye picked the wrong day tae piss me aff," he leveled his baton, and charged, his heart racing.

It was over fast, the bug smashed under his heel, a pained chirp the last sound it made. Nate shook the big entrails off his boot and pressed forward into the generator room. The bloody things hissed and zapped as he passed, one more giant roach lay dead, the electricity dancing around it, the smell of cooked meat met his nose.

His stomach churned, and he took a second to steady himself. No time for a weak stomach, not when survival was at stake. Two more met their end, and his eyes fell on a skeleton, a tattered Vault Tec jumpsuit still clinging to the bones. "How is this possible?"

The door to his left hissed open, two more roaches charging through, their mandibles clicking, their wings buzzing. Nate swung wildly, the baton denting the first, sending it reeling. The second, he caught with his hand, squeezing it's guts out until it stopped squirming.

"Still not cute," he muttered, catching his breath, his eyes searching. He had to keep moving, had to find a way out, find Shaun.

The office he came to next was met with a smile, a handgun, ammo, some smokes—no lighter. He loaded the gun and looted anything of use, but the next door was sealed. "This room looks important. El told me their doors seal up in emergencies... Only terminals can open them."

His eyes squinted over the terminal. 'welcome Overseer.' meeting his gaze. "Emergency exit, I guess that's what I'm after. Here goes nothin'."

Click. Clack. Click.

The door hissed open, and Nate stepped through, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "Come on then ye overgrown bugs, I'm ready for ye!" He cried, his fingers tight on the trigger, his heart pounding. Despite his stress. Despite this whole damm shit show. He made every shot.

His reward, was a sealed Vault door and more skeletons. One had a pip-boy, conveniently by the door controls. Nate strapped it on, relieved that someone seemed to work as intended as the device booted up, and after some trial and error, he finally managed to figure out how to activate the door open sequence.

Alarms blared and pistons hissed, Nate busied himself with looting the lockers and grabbing the handgun ammo he found lying around. When the Vault door finally rolled to a stop, he crossed the bridge and found himself standing in the lift back to the surface. "Welcome Home." disappearing as he was hoisted out of sight.

The earth above him split open, blinding light pouring down, Nate shielded his eyes and steadied himself. He was alive. That was what mattered now.

He took a moment to breathe, to process, his fingers finding Nora's ring still on his finger, his jaw set, his eyes blinking back the tears.

As the Sole Survivor of Vault 111, he has nothing left to lose and everything to fight for.

War Never Changes, and Nate was ready to wage it.

Elspeth Rae and Nathanial Alasdair Watt

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chasseurdeloup-retired · 5 years ago

Text

Raiders of the Lost Arf || Layla and Kaden

TIMING: After Celeste’s death, Before the June Full Moon LOCATION: Animal shelter PARTIES: @laylacooke and @chasseurdeloup SUMMARY: Layla comes to the shelter to adopt Indiana Bones and Kaden ends up helping a teen wolf.

It had taken Layla a lot of courage to return to Animal Control, especially knowing that Kaden knew exactly what she was. They had, after all, faced a poltergeist together. But all she could think about lately, aside from Celeste and the heartbreaking fate she ended up facing, was the small puppy she had fallen in love with the night she had first went to AC. With a deep breath and a new found courage, she stepped across the threshold only to be greeted by a smiling face, “Hi there! What can I help you with today?” The woman was kind, and it was refreshing to hear. The idea of encountering Kaden first hadn’t sat well with and had almost been the reason, she had not come in. “You guys have a puppy; Indy. I was wanting to start the adoption process for him.” A soft smile spread across her face, as her heart started to flutter in a good way knowing Indy would be coming home with her soon.

Kaden had a scared stray cat with him who he needed to drop off, one of the few normal moments in his job in a while. Earlier that day he had dealt with an amphisbaena that had gotten into someone’s home and then later he had to shoo a bonedoggle away from a trash compactor. Finding and helping a stray cat who might find a nice home was a welcome break. Even if the fucker had taken a couple swipes at him before Kaden could get it in the cat carrier. Cat safely left in a crate and ready to be treated by the vet and all the files squared away, he decided to take a few minutes to say hi to whoever was at the front desk, maybe see if any of the animals had been adopted recently, the nice fluffy part of his job. He didn’t expect to see a familiar redhead at the front desk. To be fair, he felt the chill down his spine before he saw her, he’d just pushed it aside temporarily. He should really turn and walk away, let the staff take care of this so he could get back to work. Didn’t feel right to just leave, though. “I’m assuming you’re here to pick up Indy?” he asked. It looked like the paperwork was complete or just about. “I can bring you back if you want. Do the whole double check, make sure it’s the right dog, procedure while they get you all squared away.”

Layla had been working on her paperwork, when the familiar scent had made its way through the building. Kaden. He was here. Memories of that night flashed through her mind, and she felt a phantom pain rush the stab wound that was now mostly just scabbed over; the last of the stitches Celeste had put in, coming out days prior. Pushing the paperwork over to the lady at the counter, she remained smiling, but that smile faltered a little when she saw him come out, “Yep. Told you I’d be back. Couldn’t leave the little guy here any longer.” She really didn’t want to be alone in a room with the man, but if it’s what she had to do to get the dog, then she would. “And sure. Lead the way.” She would follow him, reluctantly, when he was ready to take her back.

Kaden took her to the back right to where Indy’s cage was and the dog timidly got up to see who was there. One or two little sniffs in the air and he bounded over to the front of the cage to greet them. “Here he is,” he said. “Looks like he remembers you.” He smiled a little, almost forgetting the whole situation, what she was. Kaden wasn't entirely sure where whatever sympathy he felt for her came from, but it was there. That wasn't true, he knew a little. For one, it was hard not to feel a little empathy towards someone who loved animals as much as she clearly did. As much as he didn’t want to feel shit for a werewolf. But also their shared experience with hunter parents, the harsh life that comes with it; there was a reason it was so easy for him to find fast friends in just about any new town or city he went to, so long as there was a respite for hunters somewhere. Their backgrounds weren’t the same, surely, but close enough. Always was. “You have plans for him for the full moon?” he asked, looking back at the dog who seemed eager to say hello to both of them, but mostly Layla.

When they reached the cage, Layla kneeled down to greet Indy. There he was in all his small, fuzzy puppy glory. And she swore, she could see a smile on his little face. Sticking her fingers through the bars, she giggled as he licked them, “I’m so grateful he’s still here. I figured a little fella as cute as him would’ve gotten adopted much sooner.” She continued to play with him through the bars, until she heard Kaden’s question, “He’s staying with a friend. This dog will be nowhere near me when the full moon comes. If anything happened to him, because of what I am, I couldn’t live with myself.” She knew Indy could smell what she was, and maybe that’s why he was drawn to her so easily, but she would find a safe place for him days before the full moon.

“Well I made sure you had first choice, in case you decided to come back,” Kaden said plainly, like it was routine. “It was the least I could do after…” The poltergeist. He trailed off and looked around the place, remembering the state it had been in the last time the two of them were there and shuddered a little. “Good to hear. Also glad to hear you’re keeping others safe, too. You have that under control, right?” It was also good to hear she sounded reasonably responsible with her transformations, even if she was newer to them. “I’d worried about him feeling abandoned with you gone so soon after adopting him but he seems plenty attached. It should be fine.” He pulled out his keys and motioned for her to step away from the door a moment so he could open the door just enough to get through. “Did you bring your own collar and leash?” he asked as he pulled out a slip lead and slowly placed it around the dog’s head.

She hadn’t expected that kindness from Kaden, but she had appreciated it, “Thank you. That actually means more than you know.” She listened to him trail off. Layla didn’t want to remember that night just as much as he had. And in fact, she was almost waiting for something to happen. Being there had kept her on edge, but knowing that Indy would be coming home with her made things easier, “Yeah, Ari’s sister…” She looked down. “I know where to go and how to chain myself up. And I’ll bring someone along with me that I trust.” Lies. She didn’t know anyone, besides Frankie, and she wasn’t exposing her girlfriend to that. “Trust me, I’ll want nothing more than to snuggle with the little guy when I get home.” She did as he requested. As she watched Kaden slip inside, her heart started racing with excitement. The one thing she hadn’t got to do was hold Indy. A collar and leash? Shit. “Uh, I didn’t know I was supposed to...My parents...they had hunting dogs, but they were bought from breeders, so…” She had hoped this wouldn’t discourage the chance at taking the puppy home with her.

“I said I would,” he said just as simply as before. Kaden may not have been a fan of fae type promise bounds but going back on his word wasn’t something he was fond of. His brow furrowed at the mention of Ari. “Her… You mean Celeste?” It shouldn’t have surprised him that the hunter would find another stray werewolf, especially the child of hunter parents with a story so closely linked to her own. She really thought she could save them all, huh? He shook his head and bit back the threat of emotions. “As long as you have it handled.” With Indy on the leash, he opened the door back up and walked out, the dog trotting right over to her and standing on his back legs, front paws climbing up her legs to get closer to her. “It’s fine, they have some up front. You just have to pay for them.” And if she didn’t have the twenty bucks, he had a feeling he might cover it at this point. Which surely made him an idiot, going out of his way to help a werewolf. That dog looked so happy to see her, though. It tugged on his stupid heartstrings. “My mother only tolerated hunting dogs. When our friends had them. I wasn’t allowed to have any pets. I got Abel to be a hunting dog. He’s a bit of a dud on that front.”

Layla had appreciated him keeping his word. However, when he mentioned Celeste’s name, she could only nod quietly. She still couldn’t wrap her head around things. Couldn’t even begin to imagine what Ari was going through. “I do.” It’s all she said on the matter of chaining herself up, and her mind easily shifted when she saw Indy come over begging for her to pick him up. A smile spreading across her face, she leaned down and picked up the small puppy. Bringing him up to her face, she was showered in kisses, which made her laugh. “I hit the jackpot with you, didn’t I, little guy?” She returned the kisses, before lowering and cradling him in her arms. Kaden’s story had sounded similar to her’s. No matter how much she wanted a pet, her parents only allowed dogs that were strictly trained to attack and maim, “Same. Our dogs weren’t friendly. They had one job to do, and one job only.” She raised a hand up to show Kaden a scar from when she was a child, “It was my job to feed them, when I got old enough.”

“She was a good friend.” Kaden wasn’t sure what else to say. Surely Layla and her had bonded over their parents and the shitty situation they were in. He wanted to ask if she’d helped Layla. Or had offered to. But it sounded like she had it covered. He also wasn't sure how much he wanted to unload his feelings here and now. Or with her. Still, there was this tenuous connection he knew he shared with a werewolf by virtue of having both grown up with hunter parents. It was hard to wrap his head around. It was also hard for him to be fully comfortable with a werewolf owning a dog this close to the full moon. But if he turned a blind eye to what she was, pretended he could make an exception, maybe it would be okay. She was more prepared than most turned wolves anyway. It’d be fine. “Sounds about right. God forbid you keep anything that doesn’t serve a fucking purpose. At least so long as it serves no purpose for hunting.” Kaden hadn’t felt much resentment towards his parents in the past, not like this. He always understood where they came from, even if it was tough and hard and a little unforgiving at times. That was just the life they led. It was getting harder and harder to justify. Fucking hated that.

“She was.” She had tried to give herself time to mourn and grieve Celeste, but so much had been going on, and now, she was going to have this little guy to keep her company. The way he was licking her on the arm tickled and it made her smile. A smile she couldn’t let go of now that she was holding onto something that loved her so unconditionally and couldn’t judge her for the things she’d done. His words brought her back to the moment, “Right? Everything had to serve a purpose. That’s why my mother started me in archery so soon and in self-defense lessons. She wanted to make the perfect killing machine.” She looked back down to the small puppy and spoke in a higher pitched voice, “But it didn’t happen. No, it didn’t.” At least not in the way her parents had wanted. Layla looked back up at Kaden, “Kinda funny you ended up in Animal Control though. I mean, in the sense that you get to be around puppies and kittens all the time now that serve purposes in different ways. Kinder ways.”

“Did she help you?” Fuck. Kaden wished he hadn’t asked. He didn’t want to have to think about Celeste right now, not in public. Or care anymore about Layla. Or share anything more with her. He just wanted to do his job and give this dog a home and move on. “I mean I always liked animals. I just wasn’t really allowed to waste my time with them when there were monsters to learn about. As my parents put it.” His mother never let him get the Images Doc’s, French kid’s educational magazines, with the animals on the cover when he saw them in the grocery store. He constantly stole them from the stores, libraries and other kids, anywhere he could get his hands on them. He was shocked how rarely he got in trouble for doing it. Usually just got a look of pity from the adults in question, ire from his mother when she caught him. The flames still flickered in his mind when he remembered what happened when she found his stack one time. He pushed the thought away and led her and Indy to the front. “I’ve got the fee, Sarah,” he said to the woman at the front desk. “And going to need a collar and leash.”

Layla hadn’t expected to hear his question, and it had somewhat caught her off guard, but she answered anyways, “Um, yeah. She did. She was the one that stitched me up after, uh...after the stuff that happened here.” She didn’t want to further divulge anything, but she could tell in his voice that he was hurting too, “She was a good person, Kaden.” She bit her bottom lip and looked down at Indy, before letting the animal take her worries away once more, “Sounds about right, except I was kinda rebellious in certain ways. But they always made sure I paid for it.” Her smile faltered thinking about some of the things her parents had done to her, but she was relieved when Kaden took the lead and invited them to the front of the building. Following behind, she was surprised to hear he was offering to pay the fees for her, “Hey, thanks. I know I’m not your favorite person, but I’ll never let anything happen to him, okay?” She pulled Indy up for a kiss on his little, white and tanned head, “And we can talk anytime you want. I am a pretty good listener.” She walked to the counter to finish up what she needed to in order to take Indy home.

“I know.” There was no denying Celeste was better than he was, he knew as much. Kaden nodded and tried to ignore the worry that threatened to push its way through. If Celeste usually helped Layla, who would do it now? No, that wasn’t his problem. She wasn’t his problem. Sure, she was just a teenager and the daughter of hunters, but she was still a werewolf at the end of the day. He had to temper his empathy. Just in case he had to make a decision down the line. Not that she made that easy. “I know that, too.” This wasn’t for her, it was for the dog. Obviously. That dog had found his person and he was obligated to make sure he got to go home with her. That was all he was doing. Nothing more. Plus she didn’t deserve the shit his mother put her through. She might be a monster but that still wasn’t right. Or something. “Don’t mention it. Just take care of him. I’m sure you will.” Kaden nodded and walked away, leaving the staff there to take care of the rest. He had to get back to doing his job, anyway. Hopefully he never had to run into her during his night shifts. He had a feeling it wouldn’t end this well.

#wickedswriting #writing #chatzy #layla #laylacooke #Raiders of the Lost Arf #i was gonna do a srs title #but then casey happened

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