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It’s been two days since Nate, the widely known “Vault-Dweller”, managed to do the impossible by getting into The Institute; the boogeyman of the commonwealth. It took place at Sanctuary Hills after Nate, Sturges, and Nick Valentine finished assembling the teleporter. Of course, they accomplished this with the help of that oh-so-vital and delicate courser chip.
That day was quite possibly the most tense Detective Valentine had ever felt in his lengthy existence. Watching Nate, someone he cared for more than words could ever describe, suddenly get zapped away into thin air was horrifying . He, along with the few residents of Sanctuary, stood around the large machinery and generators as their dear friend Nate stepped onto the platform, looking more determined than ever. He was going to find his son, no matter the consequences. No matter if the teleporter disintegrated him in an instant, no matter if The Institute had an ambush waiting for him, and no matter if he would ever be able to return. Everyone at Sanctuary knew of these possibilities, but no one really brought them up. Mostly because they all knew no amount of concern could ever persuade Nate into backing down. Nick was really the only one to try.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“What if it’s a trap?”
“This isn’t gonna vaporize him…. right, Sturges?”
That last question was answered with a quiet “We’ll have to just wait an’ see,” which certainly didn’t help the robotic detective’s nerves, and as he expected, Nate would just respond the same way every time.
“I have to do this, Nick.”
Nick would just nod and wish him good luck, already knowing Nate’s answer before anything was even said. There was no stopping him.
After the initial silence of watching Nate disappear in a bright flash of electricity, everyone dispersed to resume their regular duties. They were all worried for their friend, sure, but there was no point in just standing there. There was work to be done in Sanctuary Hills.
Nick, on the other hand, stood behind one of the old houses away from the others, taking long, nervous drags of his cigarette. Before he went away, Nate promised the detective that he’d be back. Even if he successfully escaped The Institute with Shaun, he would never abandon his friends at Sanctuary. Nick tried to let those words ease his worries, but it was fruitless. Nothing but Nate’s safe return would stop Nick’s hands from shaking. He let out a bigger sigh than he anticipated, and thought about what would even happen to Nate if he just suddenly appeared in The Institute. That awful, dreaded place.
“There ya are, Nicky.” A lively, raspy voice pulled Nick from his anxious thoughts, and he promptly turned his head to see Hancock approaching. The friendly ghoul stood beside his synthetic friend “Got another smoke?”
“Sorry, Hancock. This is my last one” Nick said, referring to the lit cigarette in his right hand, the one that was already nearly finished.
“Ohhh c’mon~” The mayor of Goodneighbor let out a small chuckle “I can finish that one for ya.”
For a moment, Hancock’s charm pulled a quick smile from Nick, and he accepted the offer, giving up the short cigarette “Go crazy, pal.”
"Gladly~" Hancock said with a pleased grin, taking the cig, briefly sucking on the end, and gently blowing out the smoke afterwards. The two friends stood there for a moment in silence, taking in the admittedly-nice afternoon. “A cap for your thoughts, Valentine?” Hancock suddenly asked, speaking smoothly as he finished his short-lived smoke and dropped it in the dirt. Nick sighed through his nose and opened his mouth to reply, but was stopped when Hancock continued “It’s Nate, right?”
Nick shot the ghoul a glare, but his expression quickly softened. He could tell that Hancock already knew the answer to his own question, so the detective just stayed quiet and placed his hands in his coat pockets.
“Worried about him, right?”
Nick continued to give silent affirmation, figuring that spoken words would just be redundant.
“Hey, I feel ya brother. I don’t think any of us feel right” Hancock turned his head to face Nick, his dark eyes being surprisingly gentle “but this is Nate we’re talking about. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he already leveled that damn place with nothing but his 10mm” he half-joked, hoping to both reassure his friend and lighten the mood.
Nick let a quiet chuckle escape him, knowing very well that Nate can, in fact, hold his own.
“He’ll be fine, Nick” Hancock rested his hand on Valentine’s shoulder “He’ll come back.”
Nick gave a small smile in return. It was a rather somber one, but a smile nonetheless “Thanks, Hancock.”
Thankfully, Hancock was right on the money, as Nate came back within only 3 hours. His return was just as sudden as his departure. The machines started booming with metallic and electric noises yet again, instantly grabbing everyone’s attention. Nick was the first one there, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock, worry, and hope. When Nate reappeared, he stepped out of the teleporter looking as if he had seen a ghost. Much to everyone’s relief, and utter disbelief, he was miraculously all in one piece. Not a single scratch on him. Frantic and excited questions were thrown about. “What happened?”, “Are you okay?”, “Did you make it to The Institute?”, and Nate answered them all, his voice shaky and tired.
Apparently, not only was Nate’s son actually 60 years old, but he’s also the leader of The Institute, and directly asked Nate to join them. Everyone in the Institute welcomed him with open arms, showing not a single ounce of hostility while he was there. That was two days ago, and things have been very... different. Nate was going through a slew of conflicting emotions; Emotions that he would disguise and hide away when talking to anyone but Nick. During the day, Nate acted as the general of the minutemen, inspiring his friends at Sanctuary Hills and giving them more than enough motivation to grow their settlement and beef up its defenses. At night however, when everyone else was asleep, Nate would simply vent all of his feelings to Nick.
“Shaun… who was my sole purpose ever since I escaped the vault, ...is the very thing I’ve been working all this time to go against'' Nate and Nick sat on a couch in the house they built completely from scrap “Wh-What am I meant to do? I’m supposed to be a leader, ...but e-everything’s just… shattered underneath me. I feel so lost” he spoke with a shakiness that Nick had never heard from him before. It tore his synthetic heart to shreds.
“I’m not entirely sure what’s up or down right now, ... I don’t think any of us do. But one thing’s for sure: we’re here for you, Nate. We’re gonna figure this out” Nick told him calmly, gently placing his exposed, metal hand on the anxious father’s knee for comfort. Nate gave him an appreciative glance and lightly nodded, feeling so lucky to have the detective there for him.
That was just yesterday, and today, Nate figured he should take his mind off of things and head out into the commonwealth. The settlement needed more scrap anyway, and Nate needed to focus on what was most important: protecting the commonwealth from The Institute, and growing the minutemen. Nick and Nate left together in the morning, armed with their powerful weaponry and empty packs. They were gonna collect as much junk and scrap as they could, and come back sometime late at night. They headed south, wanting to tread new-ish territory and find what was out there.
Having lived in the commonwealth for quite a while, much much longer than Nate, Nick had a vague idea of the surroundings. “Robotics Pioneer Park” The tall, cloaked synth spoke as they gradually approached the small lake up ahead. It was surrounded by some benches, picnic tables, and a statue that was nothing but rubble.
“Yeah… I know this place” Nate said, a sense of familiarity in his tone “Well, know of this place. It’s a memorial park for some... roboticist I think? Someone from General Atomics, I know that part for sure."
At the very edge of the little lake, a thick tree bare of leaves towered over everything around it, including the small shacks placed adjacent to it. Nate turned the volume down on his radio as he and Nick approached the puny buildings, killing a ghoul or two on their way there.
Ah yes, Diamond City Radio. After Nate and Nick helped Travis gain some confidence in himself, the music played on that station has been beyond great. Hearing Travis’ cool, smooth voice was always pretty nice too, especially in the harsh wastelands of the commonwealth. Nick knows better than anyone else: Nate loves this radio station. He’d play it all the time; during intense battles with super mutants, against groups of ghouls, and even when infiltrating raider bases. Of course, he was never obnoxious with it. He knew when it was appropriate to turn it off, and both men could enjoy simple silence as they went on their little explorations, but the music Travis “Lonely” Miles played clearly made Nate happy. He never directly talked about why he liked it so much, but he didn’t really need to. Nick had a feeling that these songs were pretty nostalgic to him, and reminded him of his life before the bombs dropped in 2077. Sure, the music was long before Nate’s time, but they were all hits that he and his soldier buddies would listen to. As they walked up to the shack on the left side of the lake, Nate left the radio station on, but at a low volume. His favorite song, “Wanderer” by Dion, was playing, and Nick couldn’t help but let a smile creep onto his face at seeing him leave it on, even though there were plenty of ghouls around to keep them both on their toes.
“Think you could check this house so I can scope out the other one?” Nate asked, giving his friend a faint grin “I think I see a terminal in there, heh, and you know how god-awful I am at crackin’ those.”
Nick chuckled as the two walked and talked “You’re not too bad. I’ve seen you unlock some pretty masterfully secured terminals.”
“Eeyup! Luck is quite an amazing thing.”
Nick laughed at that. Damn, it felt so good to laugh after the past couple of days. “Alright, I’ll make quick work of it,” he said as he stepped onto the wooden porch, seeing the terminal on the wall inside, which was accompanied by four locked Protectrons, one in each corner. Nick entered the house, and Nate walked off to the other one, quietly singing along to his favorite song. Despite learning his son was technically over 3 decades older than him, and the leader of The Institute, Nate was in a pretty okay mood. He wasn’t joyful or anything, not even that optimistic, but having Nick with him, and having his friends back at Sanctuary made him feel good. At the very least, it made him feel like he wasn’t so alone. Shaun was his entire purpose just a few days ago, sure, but ever since he left Vault 111, he’s made so many friends, met a plethora of interesting people, and learned so much about the confusing wasteland. He knew he wasn’t alone, so he didn’t feel alone.
Plus, who in their right mind could ever be sad while listening to “Wanderer” by Dion?
Just as he predicted, Nick unlocked that terminal within seconds. It was actually one of the easier ones he’s come across on his travels with the vault-dweller. He successfully unlocked it, but left it at that, deciding to not wake up the Protectrons. He usually lets Nate handle that part anyway, allowing him to decide their personalities and whether or not they're activated. Before the metal gumshoe could even take a step back from the terminal, a sudden scream from outside startled him. With wide eyes, he whipped out his revolver and ran outside "NATE?!" he shouted out, making a beeline for the little green shack that Nate was supposed to be checking. When he stumbled outside, he saw his friend frantically running away from the house and towards him "Wh-What happened?!" Nick asked quickly.
A loud, furious roar stopped Nate from replying, and the two watched as a glowing-green Deathclaw emerged from the back of the house, which was completely missing a wall on that side.
"Shit" Nick muttered, taking a few steps back with Nate "got a plan?"
Nate just brandished his most powerful rifle, giving the detective an expression that said 'Nope! Not really. Let's just try to blow it to hell.'
"Got it."
The massive monster immediately ran at the two, its giant claws making the ground shake as they hit the earth. Without any hesitation, the duo unloaded their weapons into the ferocious beast, but that seemed to just make it angrier. Nate and Nick turned and ran for the other house, hoping to gain some cover inside. They both subconsciously figured that maybe the creature wouldn't pursue them if it couldn't fit through the door.
"Oh nice, Protectrons! Did you unlock the terminal?"
Hindsight hit Nick like a train when he realized he should've just activated the Protectrons immediately "Yep. It's ready for ya." As Nick continued to shoot the Deathclaw, Nate went onto the terminal and activated the Protectrons, leaving them on default.
"PROTECTRON. ON. DUTY" All four robots exited their pods, momentarily speaking in unison as they switched on.
Relief washed over both Nick and Nate--maybe this fight wouldn't be so tough.
"PROTECT AND SERVE."
"ENGAGING. HOSTILE. TARGET."
"LAW-ABIDING. CITIZENS. PLEASE LEAVE. THE AREA."
The group of bots immediately left the building and started attacking the Deathclaw, hitting it and shooting it. The glowing-green monster roared and bellowed as it slashed and chomped at the Protectrons, managing to destroy one of them. Deciding to preserve ammo, Nick and Nate simply watched the intense fight. "Maybe we should get goin'. It's gonna get dark real soon" Nick suggested, and Nate nodded.
"Yeah. I'm sure they got this."
With Diamond City Radio still on, now playing "Sixty Minute Man" by Billy Ward and the Dominoes, the two men nonchalantly stepped off the porch and started walking away, both glad they didn't have to deal with a Deathclaw as powerful and as angry as this one. They made sure to occasionally glance behind themselves just in case things went wrong, but other than that, they weren't too worried. This… proved to not be enough though when suddenly, the Deathclaw let out a thunderous, and clearly-frustrated screech. That alone caused Nate and Nick to turn around. They saw the irradiated monster demolish the last three Protectrons, smashing one, throwing one, and ripping the arms off of the last one. The irate beast instantly turned its attention to its first targets, and ran at them with new conviction. "OH SHIT!" Nate shouted, both him and Nick pulling out their guns. Before either of them could shoot however, the Deathclaw plowed into Nick, using its horned head. The synth shouted out in painful shock as the sheer force of the creature's head-butt launched him back about a yard. He slammed back-first onto the rough ground with a pained grunt.
"FUCK, NICK!"
“ I rock 'em, roll 'em all night long, I'm a sixty-minute man. Yeah-yeah-yeah ." Sang the radio as the Glowing Deathclaw slashed at Nate with its humongous claws, tearing at his armor and even managing to rip some of it off. Nate struggled to fight back, getting a few successful shots in, but the fuming beast just shoved him to the ground and relentlessly attacked. Nate accidentally dropped his gun, now desperately shielding his vitals with his arms. He screamed out in pain as the ferocious creature continued its vicious onslaught.
Nick slowly stood up, having a splitting headache from falling on the ground so hard, but he didn't even notice it. "NATE!!" He was too focused on his friend. He pulled out a combat knife Nate gave him a while ago and plunged it into the Deathclaw's back, but it didn't do much. It sure hurt, but its skin was tough, so in response, it just roared a little, and smashed its heavy tail into the detective, causing him to hit the ground once again. This time, he fell on his front, feeling the side of his face get scuffed by the tough earth beneath him.
"There'll be fifteen minutes of kissing~ … Then you'll holler 'Don't stop!' (Don't stop!) There'll be fifteen minutes of teasing..."
That damn radio continued to play as Nate was pummeled into the ground and mercilessly clawed at. Even though Nick was hurting all over, and even a bit dizzy, he got back up and repeatedly shot the vicious Deathclaw, determined to save the one he cared about the most. His determination and rage blinded him, so much so that he just shot and shot and shot and shot. At this point, the back of his mind was telling him that Nate was probably already gone, but that didn't stop him from trying. Besides, if that were indeed the case, Nick wouldn't care if the Deathclaw ended him next. In fact, if Nate was dead, the synth would much prefer dying with him, rather than go on living without him.
Oddly, the Deathclaw suddenly stopped and picked Nate up with its monstrous jaws. Nate then started to move again, trying to wriggle out of the creature's mouth. He panted and whimpered in pain, bleeding from his head, arms, and chest. The radio started playing "The End of the World" by Skeeter Davis, but both men had pretty much completely tuned-out the music at this point. With its jaws still holding Nate by the back, its teeth wrapped around his bloodied chest, the Deathclaw stood up, turned to face Nick and grabbed him with its clawed hand. The synthetic detective attempted to free himself, but was thrown hard against the ground. He let out an agonized groan, feeling as if he might just pass out.
The Institute is already evil enough. Did they have to program him to be so goddamn human-like?
Nick tried to get back up, but his arms failed him. He hurt so bad. Although, nothing hurt more than watching the beast run away, taking Nate with it.
Tired and sore beyond belief, Nick helplessly allowed his vision to fade and black out.
When Nick eventually came to, however long it took, he felt something trying to grab and bite him. Still terribly sore, he shoved the ground away, propping himself back up. A feral ghoul was trying to gnaw at him. In an instant, Nick pulled out his gun and shot the thing's head into smithereens "D-Damn ….f-f..fucking cannibals" he grumbled, shakily standing up and letting himself exhale. “N-Nate…” The beat-up bot was confused and disoriented for a moment, but it all came back to him pretty quickly, and when it did, his eyes widened in pure fear and he frantically whipped around “N-Nate?! ...NATE!!” He stumbled and nearly tripped over his own feet as he looked all over for his friend, not finding him anywhere. All he found was Nate’s bag, which was carrying his weapons, ammo, aid, and some junk. The detective picked it up and slung it over his shoulder as he ran over to the two small houses, finding them empty. The only things left in the park were a few dead ghouls and four crushed Protectrons.
Nick huffed and anxiously paced around outside. When he was worried, or trying to think, he would pace around. Just ask Ellie, or practically anyone who knew him. This time though, he’s never paced like this in his life “Th-Think Valentine, think” his eyes darted back and forth, attempting to find a clue, or just something that’ll point him in the right direction. Anything. Luckily, that ‘anything’ came when a radiation storm brewed, and green lighting peppered the dark sky. That gave him an idea of where that Deathclaw could have gone. “The Glowing Sea..” Nick mumbled quietly to himself, just about choking on his words. With no time to lose, he headed for the treacherous, irradiated sea, knowing it wasn’t too far. Of course, he wasn't sure Nate was even going to be there, but it felt like the best chance.
On his lonely and fearful journey, an endless amount of terrifying things flooded his thoughts. He did his best to ignore them though, focusing only on the potential of Nate still being alive. At the very least, he would find that Deathclaw and put it down…. if…. Nate was dead.
As Nick traveled through the most dangerous land in the commonwealth, he snuck past radscorpions as best he could, shot dead all ghouls that pursued him, and, unless it was that glowing one, avoided Deathclaws like the plague. Nearly halfway into the Glowing Sea, he finally found some semblance of a clue: small splatters of red blood mixed with bright green liquid. When Nick looked up, he finally saw it. The glowing Deathclaw that took Nate. It was lying on the ground sleeping. Damn monster. Nick slowly approached it, aimed his revolver at it, and pulled the trig--
Wait…
Nick lowered his gun and examined the beast a bit more closely, realizing that the thing wasn’t actually breathing. “Hey ugly!” He shouted, just wanting to make sure. It just lied there completely still. Yep. It was dead. Those Protectrons must have really done a number on the thing---when it ran away, it was just barely alive. It must've finally collapsed on its way here.
So… where's Nate then?
“Worry worry worry, love is passin’ me by~ … worry worry worry, I’m so painfully shy~”
That sound… could it really be what Nick thought it was?
...... Diamond City Radio? Surely not….. right?
Nick rushed up the jagged rocks, his artificial heart racing. He likely would have noted the irony of this specific song playing if it weren’t for the debilitating fear of finding Nate’s potentially chewed-up corpse.
As soon as he pulled himself up, he saw him. Nate was laying on the ground about ten feet away, looking battered and bloodied.
“H-HoLY SHIT, NATE!” Nick sprinted to his friend and knelt down next to him, dropping his bag “Nate. N-Nate!” Nick’s hands trembled. He had no idea what to do "Nate, o-oh god, Nate! Sh-Shit.. shit!" Nate’s armor was pretty much all gone, leaving him in just his scavenged Road Leathers outfit, which was badly torn. Cuts and bruises were accompanied by much more serious wounds, like the nasty scratch on his forehead, which had the right side of his face painted red from the blood that had poured down. The chest area of his clothes were drenched in his blood, and his arms were littered with ugly gashes. Nick felt a pain in his chest that was indescribable. He was terrified, angry, distraught, and all other sorts of emotions. Nate's not breathing… this is it. He's gone. It's all over. "N-No no, N-Nate…" Nick choked out, feeling as if the world was ending.
Wait.. he has a pulse… he IS breathing!
The brutalized man's eyes slowly opened.
“..N-...N-...i..ck..?” He rasped, looking up at the synth with his deep, chocolate-brown eyes.
“N-NATE! O-oh my god, you’re alive! ” Nick carefully slid his left arm under Nate’s back, slowly hoisting him up "I-I can't.. b-b-believe ... C-Christ, Nate!" Nick was relieved, but his terror swiftly returned. The wounded vault-dweller released a strained moan at the sharp pain assaulting his chest and abdomen. With his face contorted into a grimace, he opened his eyes again, seeing almost nothing but red. The blood dripping down his face partially obscured his vision. “Sh-Shit, Nate! .. I-I-I’m sorry," Nick felt a sense of panic surge through his wiring as he contemplated on what to do. Should he hoist him up, or let him back down? He was clearly in an intense amount of pain… So should he let him rest for a moment? N-No, there's monsters everywhere . They have to leave now .
Nate was about to speak, but roughly coughed instead. He went limp against Nick, resting his head against the synth's chest and breathing slowly. If the situation wasn't literally a matter of life or death, Nick probably would've felt bashful from the tender closeness.
Not only was Nate covered in bruises, scratches, his blood, and the Deathclaw's blood, but he also looked…. ill, sick, …
That’s when the detective realized “O-OH Nate! Shit, shit, d-do you have any radaway? I-I got your bag.” Nate must have picked up absurd amounts of radiation being abandoned in the Glowing Sea.
Nate just mumbled out a quiet 'No.'
Refusing to accept that reality, Nick rummaged through the bag anyway, still using his left arm to hold up his friend. As Nate had said, there was no radaway to speak of. All he could find was some rad-x, which only worked as a preventative. “It’s better than nothing. I-I’m gonna give you some rad-x, okay?” Nate weakly looked up at Nick, the two men being so close. If Nick’s heart wasn’t already shattered, this definitely would have done it: seeing Nate's eyes, which were usually full of life and teaming with courage. Right now though, those deep brown orbs of his just look weak and fearful.
“H-H-Here” he said quietly “Can you take them?” he held out his hand where three rad-x pills sat. Nate didn’t speak, he just slowly took the pills and placed them in his mouth, carefully swallowing them. Nick glanced back into Nate’s bag, seeing his stimpacks. He quickly debated on whether or not he should give him one, but ultimately decided that, with all that radiation, it wouldn't help. “Can you walk?”
Nate just barely shook his head “A-Ankle..” he lightly lifted up his left foot, but dropped it back to the ground when more pain struck his body. “ ..s-sprained… p-pretty badly…. ah-h-Aghk… tr-tried… g-getting a-away...”
Nick felt as if he couldn’t breathe; this was beyond the worst situation they’ve ever been in. “I-I know, bud, I know. Look, I'm getting you outta here. I can carry you.”
“Th-That’s… al-...r-right… J-Just lend me y-..your sh-shoulder..” Nate exhaled, trying to stand up.
“H-Hey hey hey, t-take it easy. I gotcha” Nick whispered, standing up and very carefully pulling Nate up with him. He leaned against Nick, softly grunting and whimpering in pain. If the synth wasn’t there to hold him up, he surely would have collapsed right then and there. “Alright. W-We’re gonna take this slowly. I've got'cha” Nick began to walk, holding Nate closely, who could barely even keep his head up. Having just come through here, Nick figured out the best path to follow to avoid danger, but the journey wouldn’t be short nor easy, especially not with how hurt Nate was. ‘Hurt’ didn’t even do it justice. Nate was dying.
If you asked Nick which song was playing at the moment, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. He had completely tuned the radio out. He wasn’t listening to it. All he could think about was Nate, and what the hell they were gonna do when, or if, they got out of the Glowing Sea.
After silently walking for about a minute, Nate suddenly spoke up “N-Nick..”
Nick’s heart wrenched at his unusually frail voice “Shh, Nate. You don’t need to talk. It’s alright.”
“N-...n-no… I-I need you to….t-to promise me s-some-..gghk,....someth-thing.”
“ Anything , Nate.”
“I-If… if I don’t….m-...make it… I-I… n-need you to t-take ...m-my place...a-as general. P-Please” Nate let out an uneasy noise that was a mixture of a shaky sigh and a pained whimper.
Nick lightly shook his head “A-Anything but that I can promise, Nate. You’re not gonna need to be replaced.”
“Nick, please ,” Nate silently begged, his voice laced with pain “Just promise me.”
Nick winced at that “O-Okay. I… I promise.” he said, feeling unconvinced at his own words, but it was enough for Nate.
As they walked, the silence, well, other than the radio, continued. Nick just focused on escaping safely, and Nate was completely out of it. Neither of them were even able to acknowledge that the music was still on. In the distance, Nick could see a group of about five bloodbugs swarming around a small pool of pure radiation. He equipped his revolver and continued forward, still holding Nate close, who had his right arm lazily draped over the detective’s shoulders. If only there was a way to just sneak past those blood-sucking insects.
Nick suddenly stopped and put away his gun when an idea struck him. “Nate” he said quietly “do you have a stealth boy?”
No response.
“N-Nate.” Nick ever-so-gently lowered Nate back down, resting him against a large rock, so he could check up on him. His eyes were closed, but he was still breathing. Nick sighed, only half-relieved, and began looking through his friend’s bag once again. Luck was thankfully on their side this time, as he pulled out a stealth boy. There was only one. “Okay. I can work with this.” He lifted Nate back up to his feet, once again lending him his shoulder. Nate was awake, just exhausted and hurt beyond belief. After getting just a bit closer to the bloodbugs, Nick pressed the button on the stealth boy, and both him and Nick were instantly cloaked with invisibility. Now, they just needed to be quick, but quiet.
After making past the bloodbugs, and a couple more radscorpions, the invisibility wore off. Fortunately, the end of the irradiated land was finally in sight. "Nearly there, Nate. You still with me?"
Nate responded softly, "j-just barely."
When they made it to the Edge of The Glowing Sea, right under the massive, destroyed highway bridge, Nick let out a sigh of relief, and then winced in abrupt pain, which startled him. So much so that he stumbled, and both men collapsed onto the hard, dirt ground. "A-Ahg, damn!" Nick grunted, propped himself up, but stayed on the ground "N-Nate, are you--"
"I-I'm alright, Nick. Ah-hgn.. I'm okay" Nate muttered, weakly sitting up and coughing with a painful wheeze "A-Ahg, ah… a-are you okay?"
Nick looked at his friend as if he had two heads. "I'm fine, you're all that matters r-right n-n-….a-ahg, damn!"
Nate gave his synthetic companion a concerned stare, and finally turned the radio off "h-have you run a diagnostic on yourself? I-I wasn't the only one b-beaten to a pulp by that thing, y-y'know." He felt yet another surge of pain ache through his entire body, especially his head and arms, but he didn't react. He wanted Nick to, just for a moment, worry about himself for once.
Nick sighed and lightly shook his head "I've been too busy lookin' for you" he muttered, going ahead and running a system diagnostic. His pain receptors were making him sore all over, and his synthetic tibia in his right leg, the bone located in the shin, was fractured. Nothing major, but it definitely wasn't a simple sprain. "I'm fine. My leg's a bit hurt, but it's nothin'. Hell, I got this far." Nick slowly started to stand, but his right leg was practically useless at this point "AHG!" He groaned, lowering back down to his knees and placing his hand on his injured leg. Damn, he didn't even notice his broken bone earlier. He was so focused on finding Nate and bringing him to safety. Well, even though they're technically out of the Glowing Sea, neither of them are safe right now.
Nate wiped his eyes with the back of his right hand, trying to push away some of the blood that clouded his vision "Y-You're not fine, Nick. Just rest for a second, okay?" His voice, even though he was in a world of pain, was softer than a cloud "Tell me what's wrong with your leg."
"It's…" he sighed quietly "..broken."
Nate's eyes lit up "broken? Sh-Shit, Nick!" He moved closer to his friend "give it here. I-I can reset it."
Nate was in far worse condition than Nick right now. He was bruised, bleeding badly, suffering from radiation exposure, and had a sprained ankle. He looked awful. His dark brown hair was disheveled, his hands shook, his eyelids were heavy, and he would talk slowly and quietly, as if he was trying really hard not to wince or cry out. Despite all of this, he still moved over to help Nick. He was making an effort to talk to him, and to help him. That's one of the biggest reasons Nick admired, no... loved Nate so much. He's someone who puts others before himself; he's trustworthy, honest, caring, resilient-
Nick quickly snapped out of his thoughts, adjusting himself by sitting on the ground so Nate could reach his leg "You sure you know what you're doing?"
"When you're a soldier, you learn how to put bones back into place. Either through training, ...or…. just… circumstance" Nate muttered, completely void of his usual liveliness "I've never put a synthetic bone back into place, but," he gave a weak shrug "I'm sure it's not that different. Could you hand me a stimpack real quick?"
Nick complied, giving him a stimpack, which he pulled from Nate's bag.
"Okay. Just relax, this will.. hurt."
Nick nodded, breathing slowly and allowing himself to calm down. Seeing Nate alive after all that was more than enough to put him at ease, but… feeling him gently place his hands on his leg was so... comforting. He felt a weird fluttering in his chest, and his face started to heat up. He must be going craz- "AH-h-AHhg!" He gripped his leg and gritted his teeth at the piercing sensation of Nate successfully setting his synthetic bone back where it belonged.
"O-Okay. This should make it heal" Nate then stuck the needle into the synth's leg, using it quickly and then tossing it.
"Whew. Y-Yep" Nick said with relief, letting out a slow sigh as he carefully stood up. He was still very sore, especially in his right leg, but he could function relatively normally. That's all that mattered right now.
With that done, Nate slowly leaned back, lying on the ground. He exhaled painfully and winced when he rested his arms on his stomach. The pain caused him to remove his arms and just lay them on the ground instead. Watching this was more painful than a broken bone could ever be. With all the radiation he was carrying, a stimpack wouldn't do much for Nate, so both men were just at a complete loss on what to do.
Nick knelt down beside the agonized human "Nate, you're bleeding real bad there. Can I take a look at it?"
With his eyes closed, Nate's nose scrunched slightly, expressing the pain he was feeling "y-yeah. A-..Ahg.. go ahead. M-Might do me good."
"Just try not to move, okay?" Nick advised as he carefully pulled back Nate's brown leather jacket and slowly lifted up his red shirt, which used to be an off-white color. Two deep gashes, each close to each other, were revealed, much to Nick's dismay. They ran up from Nate's side to the center of his chest. It was a typical Deathclaw scratch; it would surely scar. "A-Alright. I'll be honest with ya, pal. It doesn't look too good. A few of these cuts are pretty damn deep, … and…. shit… you're bleeding real bad" Nick said, keeping his cool as best as he could.
"Figured a-as much" Nate groaned quietly, wishing the pain would just go away.
Not having anything else to do this with, Nick carefully ripped a long strip from his trenchcoat, slowly lifted Nate to the sitting position, and wrapped the patchy cloth around his chest. He tied it tightly, made sure it was secure, and gingerly lied Nate back down "Hopefully that'll stop the bleeding for at least a little while."
Nate opened his eyes just a sliver, seeing Nick kneeling over him, a scared look in his eyes, … despite his firm and professional tone. His trenchcoat was off, which showed his, usually-hidden, white button-up and black suspenders "Aww, b-but you love th-that coat, h-heh" Nate joked, yet again resisting the urge to wince, as to not worry Valentine any further.
Nick faintly smiled at that, but only briefly "Save your strength, Nate. You don't have to talk. I'm gettin' you outta here." Even though his eyes desperately wanted to stay closed, Nate left them open a crack just so he could see the detective. "Do you feel okay enough to get moving?"
Nate slowly nodded, and to Nick's surprise, gave a little smirk "j-j-..just ... be gentle~" he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Nick rolled his glowing yellow eyes, feeling the sensors in his face heat up again. Not even dying could keep Nate's charisma in check. "Really, don't talk" Nick joked back with a dry tone. Nate let out a strained laugh as he was helped up to his feet, and the two headed off to…….. well, anywhere but the Edge of the Glowing Sea. They didn't really have a specific destination in mind just yet.
~~~
As they traveled through the wasteland at a gradual pace, Nate thought about what had just happened to them. After getting brutally attacked by a huge and vicious Deathclaw, they were now slowly limping back home. It all seemed insane. Hell, Nick traveled all the way to the Glowing Sea of all places with a broken leg , just to save him. Nate felt the corners of his mouth turn up in a small smile "huh" he mumbled.
"Hm? Is something wrong? Do you need me to stop?" Nick asked softly.
A broken up, clearly uncomfortable, chuckle left Nate's lips "Nothin' new to report, buddy. St-Still hurtin' all over, h-heh… and...feel like I might puke, .. but... I-I was j-just thinking about… what we survived today."
"Well, don't speak too soon. We ain't outta the woods just yet" Nick stated, sounding rather somber.
"Yeah, but, ..I mean, d-damn, N-Nick" Nate continued, a faint, appreciative smile still on his battered face, "with a broken leg, y-you made it all the way to the Glowing Sea… j-just to save m-..me."
Nick felt that flutter in his chest again "Oh, c-c'mon. Don't do this. You would've done the same for me in a heartbeat. You don't have to thank me" he said with a flustered tone and an ever-so-slight shakiness to his voice.
"Still. I-I really appreciate it, Nick. You saved my life."
Nick nodded "it's no problem, Nate. I'd do it all over again if I had to," the detective finally calmed down enough to let himself smile "but… maybe we should steer clear of Deathclaw nests from now on."
Relieved at hearing Nick cheer up a bit, Nate gave a sweet laugh, which caused his stomach to turn. He slightly arched his back in pain with a grunt "A-a-agh, ..ah-, wh-.. w-where's th-the fun in that?"
Nick's smile slowly dropped and he sighed, grimacing a bit as Nate roughly coughed, knowing that each movement probably felt like getting stabbed by a hundred knives "Okay. Time to take it easy, Nate."
At this point, they had passed through Robotics Pioneer Park, thankfully leaving that area undetected from any enemies. Considering their current location, and how slow they were going, they had been walking for quite a while. Of course, Nate wasn't looking any better. They still had so much farther to go. Not only that, but it was dark. If Nick had to guess, it was probably around 12:30 a.m. Right now, they were in the middle of the crumbled road next to the Electrical Hobbyist's Club, which was teeming with radiation, so they couldn't rest there. To their right, there was a small river that was just a bit too deep and too wide to cross, and to their left, the Hobbyist's Club, and the Mass Fusion Disposal Site. They pretty much had no choice but to keep going forward. Even that option wasn't very ideal. Forest Grove Marsh was way up ahead, and it's crawling with ghouls. The closest place that was actually safe was Oberland Station, a settlement that Nick and Nate helped recruit into the minutemen. It was just very very far. Nick wasn't as sure how much longer Nate could go.
"A-Alright. Do you wanna rest, or keep going? I can let ya sleep for the night if you think that'll help" Nick spoke to his sick and bloodied friend gently.
"I-I hate to s-say it, b-but yeah, I n-...a-ahg.. n-need to rest" Nate gave a trembling sigh "we probably sh-shouldn't travel in darkness anyway."
"Do you think you can make it through the night?" Nick asked as he gently sat Nate down, having him lean against an old, broken down car "if you think you….y-... y'know…. might...u-uhm… not wake up again, … we can just rest a bit and keep going afterwards."
Nate stayed silent for a moment, thinking it over. Needless to say, he felt horrible. More than horrible in fact. He felt as if he needed to vomit, his head was throbbing, his deep cuts stung, and his ankle ached. "Well, ….uh.. o-okay. L-Let's just rest for a little bit. I'm… Honestly not sure wh-what my body's g-gonna d-do."
Nick nodded, a solemn expression on his face. He sat down next to Nate and leaned against the ancient car, looking up at the stars past the dead, withered branches above. Nate did much of the same. The silence returned, and it was a weird mixture of sadness, fear, but also comfort. The two were always glad to be around each other; Nick always felt so lucky that out of all his friends, out of all the amazing and interesting people he met in the commonwealth, Nate chose him as his companion to go on these adventures with. They sat there together for about a minute, before Nick figured it was time to go. He glanced at Nate, who had his eyes closed.
"Nate. Ready to go? We shouldn't stay too long."
Nate's eyes fluttered open "M-Mhm, .. We can try."
...Try?
Nick stood up and carefully helped Nate back up, who hissed at the pain. Suddenly, he felt terribly dizzy and light-headed "a-h-hg,, Nick…." He stumbled, but Nick caught him.
"Sh-Shit, Nate, you're getting worse. Th-That radiation's killing you" he said shakily, trying to think of what to do "c-c'mon, let me carry you."
"N-Nick. I-I know we're t-too far out. I-I'm just sl-..slowing you down. You sh-should just leave m-"
"Quiet, Nate. Leaving you is completely out of the question, so stop suggesting it" The synth said sharply, sounding angry, but he was really just scared of losing the one person that mattered most to him. "I'm carrying you, and that's that." Nate sighed softly, allowing Nick to pick him up, holding him bridal style. "J-Just….stay with me….. please ."
Nate closed his eyes yet again, almost wishing he would just pass out, so he didn't have to feel the pain anymore.
The synth continued onward, determined to make it to Oberland station, even if that meant he had to fight a hundred ferals in Forest Grove Marsh by himself. 'Just a little longer, Nate. I promise I'll get you to safety' he thought.
~~~
Usually, Nick hated the fact that he's a machine. He would sometimes feel so... robotic, in the metaphoric sense, despite what his friends would tell him. He often felt like he didn't belong, or that he just didn't deserve to be in the presence of humans and ghouls, because they were living . Sure, Nick was 'alive' in a sense, but, he sometimes couldn't help but question that. Was he… alive in the same way?
….Right now though, as exhausted as he was from walking so far, he wished he was as unfeeling as a toaster. Maybe then he'd be able to carry Nate to safety with ease. He's technically a machine, sure, meaning he has much greater endurance than humans, but machines had their limits too, and not only that, but he's a machine designed to emulate a human. He could get tired, and he had been walking for almost three hours straight, using the majority of his strength to carry Nate, and occasionally shoot a bloatfly or two, or three…. or a bloatfly grouped with some bloodbugs. The damn insects of the commonwealth were especially relentless.
By this point, Nick was just at the edge of Forest Grove Marsh, and before he could get very far into the location, he felt his legs tremble from the stress of carrying a fully grown man for three straight hours. Knowing he would likely fall, he carefully rested Nate, who had drifted off to sleep about half an hour ago, against one of the buildings. Nick huffed out a stressed breath and slowly paced around, trying to think of a solution. He took off Nate's pack and began to look through it. Maybe something in there could… give him an idea of what to do?
The synth's yellow eyes flickered and lit up when he pulled out the flare gun Preston had given Nate. Yes! Maybe he could get the folks at Oberland station to come to them, rather than the other way around! Nick glanced at his surroundings, knowing that setting off a flare would surely alert some of the ghouls in the area, ….but… it may be their best option for finally getting out of this mess. First things first, he needed to get Nate to safety.
Nick did the best he could, since there weren't many safe areas in this flooded, cannibal-infested town. He brought the silent vault-dweller up the stairs of one of the small buildings, which had the roof and most of its walls completely missing. It's not like the other buildings would be any better. "Nate. .. Nate" Nick gently shook the man's right shoulder, trying to wake him.
Feeling the pain and nausea return, Nate awoke with a quiet groan. He opened his eyes, seeing that he was sitting on the floor leaned up against a wall "H-Hey, Nick" he greeted weakly, his voice sounding so small "where are we?"
"Forest Grove Marsh, I'm afraid. I'm gonna set off a flare. Hopefully someone helpful will come looking for us."
"The marsh? Sh-Shit, d-di-..id you ...take care of th-the ghouls?"
"No. …We only just arrived. I put you up here so I could get rid of those damn things myself" Nick handed him Nate's best, most upgraded pistol "use this if any of 'em get to you."
Nate almost wanted to protest, he still wasn't used to being the one who needed protecting, but he knew better than to argue with Nick right now. So, he just took the pistol and gave his friend an affirmative nod "be careful."
Nick nodded "I'll be fine. Try to keep those eyes open" he said as he aimed the flare gun at the sky, shooting one off into the clouds "help should be on the way" he sighed "I hope." It was pretty early in the morning, around 4 a.m. So, hopefully someone helpful was awake at this time. "Holler if you need me." With that, Nick dropped down from the second floor of the building, not even needing to use the stairs, since the floors were crumbled and full of large openings. He equipped his revolver and watched out for any creatures that might come to investigate the source of the flare.
As Nick did that, Nate just stayed rested against the wall, his head leaned back and his eyes slowly closing, despite what Nick advised. The dying vault-dweller just drifted into his thoughts as his friend fought off a few bloodbugs and a couple of ghouls. He thought about the Institute and Father. He still couldn't believe it. It was something that still gnawed at him, even though he knew where his loyalties lied: the commonwealth. Still, Father, … Shaun, was his son. Blood. Kin. Family. He was the last living part of Nora Nate had left, and that just…. tore at his heart. He opened his eyes and looked down at his scarred, bloodied hands, seeing Nora's ring on his ring finger. He fiddled with it for a second, before pulling it off. He looked towards Nick's direction, watching as he struck a ghoul in the head with the butt of his gun, looking as fearless and determined as ever.
A smile tugged at Nate's lips, and he got this warm feeling in his chest. It was a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time, technically over two centuries ago, but for him, it only felt like a little over a year ago. The last time he got that feeling was when Shaun was born. He remembered feeling so happy and so in love. Everything was perfect. Now though, … Things are different. So, so different. Nate looked down at the ring again, and then back up where Nick was. The commonwealth…. needed help, and, by now, he considered many of its residents to be good friends, even family. Sure, Shaun was literally Nate's son, but… he's not family. Not anymore. He was just Father now, and in this moment, Nate realized that he needs to keep the past behind him and move forward with his current life. He placed a gentle kiss onto Nora's ring, and then put it in his pocket. He would likely keep it forever, but he didn't need it on his finger anymore. He needed to move on, and the person he wanted to do that with was just outside risking his life for him. Nate felt himself blush and he kept his smile.
"Alright, I think that's the last of 'em. At least, the last of the ones that are nearby" Nick said as he walked up the stairs, sat next to Nate, and pulled a cigarette from his coat pocket.
"Thanks, pal." Nate said calmly, resisting the urge to lean against the detective. The closeness of simply sitting next to him would have to do for now.
Nick gently nodded in response, feeling Nate's thanks weren't really necessary "how are you feelin' now?"
Nate shrugged "Like shit," he looked at Nick and gave him a weak smile "I'm happy to have you here though. Happy, relieved, and grateful."
Nick's eyes lit up, and that hot sensation in his face returned "ah, you don't have to say that" he rubbed the back of his neck, sounding as if he were…. flustered "the feeling's mutual though."
Nate kept his smile and leaned his head against the wall, closing his eyes to try to relax, even though his body still felt excruciating. Nick was beside him, so who cares? "Y'know, … I think… I think I've f-finally realized something."
"What's that?" Nick inquired, blowing out some smoke from his cigarette.
"You, and protecting the commonwealth, are the only things that matter to me. Not Shaun, and not my past. I think I've finally come to terms with that."
That heat in Nick's face intensified. Was his synthetic body simulating… blushing? Was he really blushing? Is that what he's been doing this whole time? Whatever it was, Nick kept his cool "I'm glad you feel that way. I really appreciate it. It couldn't have been an easy thing to realize."
Nate lightly shook his head "Not particularly, … But, having you by my side made it a hell of a lot easier."
What was Nate doing? What was he saying?? Nick didn't feel special, and certainly not when compared to people like Hancock, Deacon, Preston, or hell, even Codsworth! So why was he getting all this special thanks? Just stay calm, Nick. Calm down. Why are you so worked up anyway? It's just Nate. Why do you feel so… nervous around him? No, not nervous… is it … flustered? …. bashful??
"A-Again, feeling's mutual. I couldn't ask for a better partner. Now, y-you should rest… hopefully the folks at Oberland are on their way."
Nate let out a soft chuckle, suspecting that Nick was embarrassed and trying to get off of the subject. Regardless, Nate complied and just closed his eyes again, deciding to stay quiet and relax as his friend had suggested.
Just as Nate had thought, Nick was relieved that the subject was dropped. He really did appreciate his words, but… he wasn't so sure of this feeling in his chest… like butterflies . It didn't feel right. He didn't feel like he deserved to feel that way. Nick rolled his eyes to himself, and at himself. Feel what way, exactly? Nate was just a good friend, …right? Did… Nick… really desire something more than a partnership? No. He can't. He shouldn't. Nate… deserves better than that. Nick should feel ashamed for even thinking that way.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" A sudden voice called out, pulling both Nate and Nick from their internal thoughts "we saw your flare!"
_____
"A Glowing Deathclaw? .. Jesus, I think I would've just accepted death."
Nate chuckled at that, slowly walking alongside Nick and the settler.
When help arrived at Forest Grove Marsh, they were able to give Nate radaway, which allowed him to use a stimpack for his sprained ankle. Still, he wasn't completely healed. He was covered in bloody scratches, and his leg still hurt a bit, but he could at least walk on his own, and not pass out or puke from radiation. Now, they were all walking back to Oberland station to get him fully patched up, and so the traveling duo could figure out what they should do next.
"If it weren't for Nick, I probably would have. Heh, I can always rely on him to make sure I don't take the easy way out" Nate said, teasingly nudging the synth's arm with a faint grin.
Nick chuckled and rolled his eyes with a smile, happy to see Nate walking and talking like his usual self again, even though he was still bleeding fairly badly. Nothing immediately life-threatening, but it sure wasn't good.
After just a little while longer of walking, they finally arrived at Oberland. "There's bandages and other things you'll need in the station. You caught us on a bit of a busy day, so feel free to help yourself to whatever. Just holler if you need one of us" the settler said, giving Nate and Nick a little salute before heading off to resume his duties. With that, the two headed up the stairs and into the tiny station. Nick closed the door behind them, and as he started gathering the provided supplies, Nate plopped onto the bed with a big, relieved sigh, but it quickly turned into yet another wince "Sh-Shit, if I didn't kn-know any better, I'd think the Deathclaw had poison-laced claws. These scratches sting like hell."
"Sit still then. This'll help ya" Nick sat on a chair in front of the bed, and Nate sat up. The detective had some gauze, cleaning material, and a towel.
"Oh, here" Nate slowly removed his shirt, all the blood making the cloth stick to his skin "a-ah… shit" he muttered at the pain, quietly hissing when the fresh air hit his open wounds "god, this sucks."
"You can just call me Nick, buddy." The detective joked unexpectedly, causing Nate to let out a surprised laugh.
"Haha-a-ah-hg,, this is not a good time to be a comedic genius, Valentine!" Nate snickered, admittedly feeling relieved that Nick wasn't all doom-and-gloom about this situation anymore.
"Well someone's gotta fill that role" He said as he carefully started wiping away all of the excess blood "now, tell me if this is hurtin' ya too much."
Nate grinned, feeling that sensation in his chest again 'ya big softie, Valentine' he thought warmly.
Truth be told, Nick was really just trying to keep his mind off of… his realized-feelings for Nate. It wasn't easy when he had his shirt off, showing his stunning physique. Sure, he was no body-builder, but having been a soldier, and living in the commonwealth for weeks, gave him those strong muscles and well-defined chest. Unfortunately, it was mostly covered up by bruises, and especially scratches and gashes. Perhaps what Nick was distracting himself from wasn't Nate's gorgeous body itself, but the inherent awkwardness that came from having his shirt off. What Nick was most attracted to about Nate was his personality and drive to do good, just because it's right. Yeah, Nick had plenty of friends like that, Hancock for example, but just… something about Nate…
"Y'know," Nate's voice interrupted the silence, causing Nick's eyes to flicker quietly in surprise, having just been ripped from his thoughts, but Nate didn't notice "as that Deathclaw was dragging me away, and I was falling in-and-out of consciousness, I thought to myself: Damn. There's still so much more I have to do. " Nick listened silently as he continued to clean Nate's wounds. "I've had plenty of near-death experiences in my life, even before the bombs dropped, but… this… was the first time I would've felt unaccomplished in my death." Nick just nodded silently in understanding, letting Nate know that he had his full attention "so many people are counting on me. … I-I have no doubt in my mind that you'd make a great general for the minutemen, Nick, but..."
"Keep tellin' yourself that, pal" Nick joked.
Nate rolled his eyes with a grin, "hush" he chuckled quietly "I just would have felt like I was letting everyone down, y'know?"
Nick nodded gently "I think I would've felt the same."
Alright, Nate. Figure out how you're gonna do this, because this is the time to do it.
"Nearly dying made me realize somethin' else too… that you should never leave things unsaid with your loved ones." Nate said, slipping his tattered shirt back on once Nick had finished tending to his chest, stomach, and back.
Nick felt himself blush again and kept his eyes down at his hands, which were carefully wrapping gauze around Nate's arm wounds. He couldn't look Nate in the eyes right now, .. Not when he was saying… that . Nick cleared his throat, or at least made a noise resembling that "y-yeah. That's… always really important. It's usually something you realize once it's too late." He nearly winced at his own words, but kept his composure. He felt so hypocritical saying that, but he couldn't let Nate know that he…
"Mhm. Exactly right. Which is why I feel so incredibly lucky to be alive, …" Nate, despite how sure he was, was still a little nervous to say this next part, so he let out a slow, deep breath "because I get to tell you how I feel, Nick."
Nick's eyes widened and he looked at Nate in surprise, but then quickly darted his eyes away from the vault-dweller's gentle, yet powerful gaze.
"Being with you, and heh, getting my ass saved by you, made me realize how important you are to me. You've been on this journey with me, … pretty much since I left that vault, and… you've done so much. I wouldn't be this far without you. I couldn't be this far without you."
Was this really happening? Was Nate really gonna…? Nick felt as if he were overheating and about to explode, like one of those sentrybots, but he knew he couldn't of course. Still, feeling that way was so bizarre to him. He's a synth… he shouldn't…. have these feelings, right? "It's, … Nothin', Nate. You don't have to thank m-"
Nick stopped when he felt Nate place his hand on his hand, ... and on his metallic skeletal one no less "That's not, ... exactly what I'm doing, Nick" he said softly, oh.. so softly.
Nick's eyes darted to his and Nate's hands, suddenly realizing he didn't have his late wife's ring on anymore.
"I really like you, Valentine. A lot . You're very important to me...and…. I've, … been thinking about, …maybe being more than just friends. "
Shit, oh shit. Did Nate just..?
Nick kept his eyes looking anywhere else but Nate and pulled his hand away. He grabbed his tie and fidgeted with it "N-N-Nate, I-I, …" he let out a shaky breath "g-god, I-.. I don't know what to say."
Nate smiled sweetly and joked "You can just call me Nate, buddy."
Nick sighed again and put his face in his hands, with his legs slightly spread in the chair and his elbows on his knees. He then lifted his head back up, leaned against the chair he sat in, and crossed his arms, eyes still far away from Nate's. Really having no idea how to respond, Nick just said "...I-I'm a synth..." He blurted out with a frustrated shrug.
Nate raised an eyebrow "Nick" he mumbled softly, giving a somber look "that doesn't matter to me. I'd love you if you were a human, a ghoul, or hell, even a supermutant."
Nick flinched at that 'L' word "n-n-no, you…. y-you shouldn't love me. W-We couldn't….. W-We shouldn't .." He let out yet another shaky sigh "You're very ...very important to me too, Nate, .. but…I.. I'm a machine. I can't… love you the way a human could. Th-The way your wife could."
Now it was Nate's turn to sigh; he lightly shook his head "Nick," he scooted up a bit on the bed, getting closer to the flustered and emotional detective, who was still sitting in that chair "I don't wanna hear about Nora from you. You don't have to worry about her. I loved her, but… that life is behind me. I know she would've wanted me to move on---It's what I would've wanted for her. So you don't have to worry about her or my past life."
"B-.. But.."
"Nick,"
Nick finally looked into Nate's deep brown eyes, they were so alluring and loving. Nick's bright yellow eyes, on the other hand, were clearly filled with worry and unsureness.
"Be honest with me, okay? For a moment, completely disregard the fact that you're a synth. What are your true feelings?" He asked softly.
Nick sighed and briefly looked down at his hands "You want honesty, huh?"
"Mhm."
"Alright," Nick started, still shyly looking away from the patched-up vault-dweller "the truth is… when….. wh-when I found you at the Glowing Sea, ...and thought you were dead, ….. Th-The pain of …. thinking I had just lost you, ...was… the worst thing I had ever felt. It was like… nothing mattered anymore," Nate felt warmth in his heart at Nick's sweet, somber words. He stayed quiet, listening to the detective with a loving stare. "So, to answer your question, … I…" he sighed, quietly mumbling the next few words "love…. You too…." Before Nate could reply, or even physically react, Nick continued "b-but, Nate, ….I-I.. I'm not exactly gonna… age… y'know."
Nate nodded, knowing that as a human, he would eventually die of old age, but Nick would likely go on living. "I know, and it's something I've been thinking about a lot. I was thinking even… maybe we could do the same to me what we did for Curie? We could turn me into a synth?"
"Nate, no . I can't let you do that" he let a frustrated, yet solemn, sigh escape his mouth "besides, I doubt it would even work. Doctor Amari isn't a miracle worker, a-and we would have to find a body for you somehow. A-And what if the process ruins your memories? O-or-or, your personality gets completely wiped away??"
"Y-Yeah, ...I know it wouldn't be as simple as just turning me into a robot , but, Nick, I want to at least try . And if that doesn't work, I'm sure we could find some other way for us to-..." Nate slouched slightly, as if he suddenly realized that… maybe being together… wouldn't work "y-y'know. ...be together."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. A gripping sadness filled the air.
"So, .. You really want to be with me, huh?" Nick muttered softly.
Nate looked into the synth's stark yellow eyes with sincerity. He carefully placed his hand on the left side of the detective's face. Nick looked startled, his eyes were wide, and his face was… surprisingly warm "I'd ghoulify myself for you, Nick Valentine. We don't have to stress about it right away, but, if you feel the same, I'd want more than anything to be with you."
Silence filled the air for a good few seconds, though it felt like minutes. "w-wow" Nick said softly, his eyes full of love "O-Okay, ..um, ..I think we can … give this a try. ..F-Figure something out," a little smile, that was admittedly expressing a kind of sadness, appeared on Nick's face "because, .... the feeling's mutual, doll."
Nate returned the loving smile "heh, think you could move a little closer, detective?"
Nick felt his heart skip a beat. Hoping to uplift the mood, he gave a teasing smirk "Yessir, general sir~"
Nate chuckled quietly, pulling away from the synth for just a moment. Nick did as he was told by getting up from his chair and sitting on the bed with Nate, his legs off the mattress and feet planted on the floor. To the synthetic gumshoe's surprise, Nate carefully wrapped his arms over his shoulders, and gently pressed his lips to Nick's, with eyes lovingly closed, and a big, sweet smile on his face. For a moment, Nick's eyes were wide at the sudden action, and his hands were completely still, but he soon relaxed, letting his eyes close too. He wrapped his arms around Nate's lower back, careful not to hurt his injuries. Relief washed over the two at the fact that this was finally happening. It felt like a dream.
Nate's right hand returned to the left side of Nick's partially-open face, gently holding it and slowly caressing it with his thumb. The delicate touching was what got Nick's internal fans whirring most especially. The synth subconsciously leaned into the human's hand, and Nate quickly took notice. He slowly pulled away, both mens' eyes opening. "Hmm~ maybe we should get going," he suggested softly.
"Wh-What?" Nick muttered, confused, and sounding a bit disappointed. The duo were still closely holding each other, but with their lips separated, Nick suddenly felt far away.
Nate chuckled "Hey, I'm disappointed too. I'd love to continue, but I'd rather not do anything here . Y'know, where the settlers here would have no real reason to… knock first ~"
Nick felt as if his face was beet red, and he pulled away from Nate's hold, clearly embarrassed. He anxiously fiddled with his tie again and cleared his throat "R-Right. Right. Preston will probably be wondering where we are anyway. Guess we should head back to Sanctuary."
Nate pressed a kiss to Nick's right cheek "Don't worry, detective. This isn't over~" he vaguely gestured to the two of them with his right hand, sporting a playful smirk.
Nick matched the expression "heh, I'll hold ya to that, love~"
Along with faint laughter and playful banter, the two men gathered their things and left the little station, walking down the stairs and seeing one of the settlers tending to their garden.
She looked up and watched as the two made it to the ground "Good to see you on your feet, general" she said as she stood up and faced them "Are you heading out?"
Nate nodded "We figured it would be best if we headed back to Sanctuary as soon as possible. After that encounter with the Deathclaw, I really wanna plan out the next few days. Big things are coming."
She nodded "Yes sir. We'll be here waiting for your next orders."
___
" Lay that pistol down, babe~ lay that pistol down. Pistol packin' mama~ lay that pistol down~ "
"So, you'd really turn yourself into a synth, huh?" Nick asked as he lit the cigarette that was in his mouth.
"Yep! Heh, if it even works" Nate shrugged "I was thinking since you're gen 2, and Curie is gen 3, I might as well be a gen 1. They need some representation in the minutemen, don't'cha think?" Nate joked as he walked alongside the detective, chewing on some Big Pops bubblegum he found in a crumbled house.
Nick let out a hearty laugh, something that few people ever hear from him "This may just be the detective in me talking, but I imagine they lack 'representation' for a reason" he said sarcastically.
"Careful there pal, you're startin' to sound like Danse" Nate slyly retorted.
Nick rolled his eyes with a smirk and playfully, gently shoved Nate at that "I'd rather be compared to a damn Mirelurk" he gave a big sigh, exhaling the smoke from his cigarette "what am I supposed to do with you~?"
"Love me~" Nate said, taking Nick's flesh hand and intertwining their fingers.
Nick gave Nate's hand a loving, sincere squeeze, but continued to joke "Pull you outta trouble, that's what."
Nate chuckled with a light shrug "eh, yeah. That too."
As they gradually returned to Sanctuary Hills, the two listened to Diamond City Radio, chatted, and fought off whatever obstacles came their way. Thankfully, on their journey, there were no Deathclaws in sight. By the time they got back to Sanctuary, it was in the dead of night. Nick and Nate were exhausted . Pretty much everyone was asleep, except for Preston, who was taking a shift standing guard at the bridge. When he saw the duo approach, he rushed up to them in shock.
"General! Shit, y-you look-"
"Like hell? Yeah, I know" Nate chuckled tiredly.
"Do you need me to get you anything sir? What happened? Do you need me to alert any of the nearby settlements?" Preston continued, a ton of questions flying through his head.
"Rest easy, soldier" Nate yawned "We'll talk about it in the morning" he said as he and Nick walked past the minuteman "goodnight, Preston."
Preston, never failing to be amazed and impressed by his general, relaxed with a chuckle and a small smile "Night, Nate. Nick."
As the two entered Nate's home, the one Nate built from scratch, Nate turned down the radio, leaving it only to a faint hum. He locked the door behind them as Nick took off his torn trench coat and hung it up on the coat rack. The synth hesitated for a moment, but slowly took off his hat and hung it up too. It was one of the things that he felt humanized him. He never took his hat off.
Before he could get too down in the dumps about it, Nate smiled widely, but tiredly, and stepped in front of the embarrassed synth. He gently took his face in his hands and pressed a sweet kiss to Nick's lips. Nick smiled against the little smooch and carefully wrapped his arms around Nate's lower back yet again.
This… this felt so good. To be in love , …and to be with someone who sees you as a person, and who loves you no matter what.
Nate slowly pulled away with a yawn "I'm gonna get somethin' to eat real quick before headin' to bed."
"Ah that's right, you're probably starving. You want me to make you somethin'?"
Nate felt a flutter in his chest and gave Nick an appreciative smile "Nah, it's okay. I'm just gonna get somethin' small." With that, he stepped away to enter the kitchen.
Exhausted from the terribly long journey, Nick walked up the wooden stairs and to Nate's bed. He laid down with a tired sigh, resting his hands on his stomach and simply laying on top of the covers. Sure, Nick didn't need sleep, but he was definitely capable of it, and sometimes, it felt nice to do so, especially after the past few days. He closed his eyes and just relaxed.
A few short minutes later, Nick heard the faint sound of Diamond City Radio, which was accompanied by footsteps. Knowing Nate was now upstairs too, Nick just kept his eyes closed. A moment later, he heard the lights get switched off, felt the weight shift on the bed, and then a body gently lay on top of him. The synth opened his eyes, seeing Nate laying on the bed with him, his head comfortably resting in the crook of Nick's neck. His pipboy was sitting on the nightstand, still near-silently playing Diamond City Radio. Nick smiled, gently stroking Nate's messy hair as he too closed his eyes. They flickered back open though when he heard Nate mumble "I love you, Nick~ heh, my knight in shining armor."
"All in a day's work, dollface." Nick whispered, closing his eyes and fully welcoming that fluttery warmth in his artificial chest "now rest up, big guy." Silence filled the air for a moment. It was comforting, warm, and safe. "I love you too, Nate" The synth's voice had never been softer or more sincere.
The two drifted off to sleep together, holding each other closer than ever. Whatever happened next, they would be prepared.