Work Text:
It was supposed to be a simple mission.
Lupe would get help from a team at the HQ to fix a device needed for a project. While the Brotherhood's engineers could do it, they were all really busy working on the stands for the Prydwen. Using the nearby airplane wrecks, they were able to design something that would allow them to safely land the ship, saving resources and therefore be able to stay longer in the Commonwealth.
Ever since the Elder went missing for a few days and came back with a change of heart, it had been difficult to make his people follow his command. His view of the wasteland and its people had changed, seeing how the Minutemen had changed it into something truly impressive. While the core principles remained, Elder Maxson was now trying to return to the old ways, back to when the Brotherhood judged their recruits on their hearts and minds, not lack of mutation.
Some soldiers adapted, others didn't.
And when he eventually reached out to Ilene Ward, the General of the Minutemen, to discuss ways to work together, the soldiers who didn't adapt started questioning the integrity of it. Some of them left, but with the trend of soldiers accepting the change, the empty spots were quickly filled with new recruits.
And then there were the soldiers who chose not to leave...
Reading the report, Lupe and the assigned soldiers were on their way back to the Prydwen when it happened. A known troublemaker, a soldier who didn't approve of the alliance or the project, "accidentally" bumped into Lupe, causing her to drop the packaged device into the harbor water. Since they were flying rather low because of fog, Lupe had quickly dived after it.
She managed to retrieve the device, the other members of the team helped her get back up, and the soldier who caused the mess was dealt with as soon as they arrived on the Prydwen.
Lupe was hurt, so she was taken to Knight-Captain Cade for treatment.
Maxson tried his best to calm himself before he went there. Going over the report over and over, the words from the witnesses about how Lupe had held her own against the soldier a few times before the incident. In her arguments, she had mostly focused on how it was Maxson's choice, and how brave it was of him to admit their previous ethics had hurt the people they were meant to help. Meanwhile, the soldiers always had the choice to either honor their oath to follow their leader without question - or leave the Brotherhood.
For a while now, he had feared she was pitying him. Their adventure out in the wasteland, the arguments, him being yelled at by the surprisingly angry scribe, learning his lessons and with great shame slowly realizing bit by bit what was wrong with the Brotherhood's ethics. While copying her ethics would be too big of a change, he hoped the changes he did bring would get rid of the shame he felt. But whenever she was near, he not only felt shame, but he'd stutter and lose focus - something a leader shouldn't do. There was something about her that caused him to worry, to wonder about her opinion of him, and hope that she didn’t look down on him.
...this information he was given by her team, it seemed like she at least did not think badly of him. She was defending him. Calling him brave... She could have just let him deal with the incident, let him arrange for a new device to be built, and prove his commitment. But no, she risked her life to keep the project going...
But he had to focus. No matter her opinion of him, he couldn't let her see him be so worried.
Entering the clinic, a divider had been set up to give the patient some privacy. While the corridor wasn't very busy, it was a way to tell bypassers that Cade was busy.
"Now, don't forget to stay warm and get some extra rest," Cade reminded her. "I'll advise the Elder to only give you light duty tomorrow, just in case."
She thanked him. The Knight-Captain walked around the divider and then noticed the Elder standing by the entrance.
"Oh, quite the timing..." Cade cleared his throat, "She's alright, sir. Just a few bruises and a minor wound on her arm. But I do advise she sticks to light work to avoid pneumonia."
"I'll see to it, Cade," glancing at the faint shadow of Lupe in the divider, he sighed. "May I speak with her privately for a moment?"
"Of course, sir," Cade didn't hesitate and left the clinic.
With a deep breath to regain focus, he walked around the divider and found Lupe still sitting on the exam bed. Her arm was bandaged and she was carefully putting on the bomber jacket one of the soldiers lent her. Her hair was still a bit wet, but otherwise, she seemed fine. Looking up at him, she greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Elder."
He wished she could greet him using his first name, wondering how it'd sound with that voice of hers. But it would be too informal. ...at least he could use her first name. "Hello, Lupe," he sighed, "The knight was dealt with. Since this was his final warning, he was sent to serve time at Dunwich."
She sighed with relief, "I tried to reason with him... but like the chief says, some people have just made up their minds."
"...the others told me this wasn't the first time he had harassed you. If you had just told me, I wouldn't have let him be assigned to your team. You need to have people you can trust. ...and people who will make sure you don't have to pull off such dangerous stunts."
She chuckled lightly, "Look, I wouldn't have jumped off the Vertibird if I didn't trust your soldiers would help me."
"It wouldn't have been a huge setback if we lost that device," he argued, "you didn't have to risk your life to get it back."
"I know, but I was responsible for it," she smiled and closed her eyes, a little embarrassed by what she was about to say, "And I don't want the others to lose faith in you for inviting me to work here."
Again, she was more focused on defending him. Not herself, not the alliance - him.
He didn't quite understand why, but he could daydream. Could it be that she liked him? Had she seen through him and noticed how scared he was of being a bad leader? She had always been so kind and caring, so was she trying to help him? ...could she give him what he needed?
He wanted to step closer to her, grace her flushed cheek with his hand, and feel her lips against his. He so desperately wanted to do that...
It was only when he heard her muffled gasp that he realized... that he actually did it. Pulling away, he saw Lupe's lovely eyes wide open with shock and embarrassment, cheeks burning and mouth agape. His hand was still gracing her cheek.
He had kissed her.
Quickly backing up, he panicked, "I-I'm so so sorry! That was... it was VERY inappropriate!" He quickly realized he might've been loud enough for people in the corridor to hear, so he took a deep breath to try and regain his stoic expression. Glancing over at the corridor, there didn't seem to be anyone there. It'd be one of his worst fears if anyone found out, knowing what he would pull her into before she'd even know what was going on. Turning back to look at Lupe, she was still blushing, nervously keeping her eyes on her knees.
He felt awful, failing to restrain himself. What could he possibly do to fix things? ...she probably doesn't want to see him for a while.
"...you... you can go back to HQ… if you so desire. Might be easier for you to recover there..." he managed to speak relatively normally, feeling a bit safer after seeing a few soldiers walk down the corridor looking like they hadn't heard anything. Again looking at Lupe, her expression hadn't changed. "...Lupe? ...are you okay?"
Snapping out of it, she looked up, and kept her eyes on him for a brief moment before looking down again, lightly nodding her head. "It... it might be... best if... if I... go... go home..." she stuttered, wrapping her arms around herself.
He cursed himself, she looked so uncomfortable. He did that to her. It was not how he wanted her to know, and now he's really messed it up! That's right, he'll be buried with the legacy of fucking up his first chance at a relationship - what a Maxson!! ...but no, focus! Just focus. "...right. I'll assign a pilot to take you there. ...I'll let you know when they are ready."
Later that evening, Lupe was all set to leave and just sat on her bed, still thinking about what had happened. Reaching up to her cheek, she felt how it was still warm. Then, her fingers slowly made their way to her lips, remembering what she had felt.
She was scared.
She had never been kissed before, and this happened so quickly and... by Elder Maxson of all people! He's the leader of the Brotherhood, a revered man who was leading an army of soldiers. He was General Ilene's ally... and while Lupe was there working with them, he was also her superior. ...what was going on?
"Miss De La Fuente?" the pilot snapped her out it, "Are you ready to head out?"
"Y-yeah, I'm ready," she stuttered and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
Following the pilot down to the command deck, she remembered that her back was facing the observation deck, where Maxson usually stood. She didn't dare to glance back to see if he was there, simply turning the corner to walk out to the flight deck.
"Miss De La Fuente? A word, please." His voice boomed across the command deck, as professional as usual, and probably wasn’t as loud as it felt.
She froze with fear for a moment. ...how could she face him? Taking a deep breath, she tried to focus on looking as professional as possible. She wasn't just a scribe, she was also a representative of the Minutemen; her friends. Glancing at the pilot, she saw him nod and quickly tell her he'd be out waiting on the flight deck. And then, turning around, she saw Maxson standing in the middle of the observation deck, waiting for her. With another deep breath, she walked over.
Following him to the far end of the deck, she hesitated to get too close. And being unable to look him in the eyes, she almost didn’t hear him when he started talking in a very low voice.
"I really... regret making you so uncomfortable." Glancing up at him, she could see his expression had softened a bit. "It... wasn't how I wanted to inform you. The subject is very... new to me. I hope my incompetence won't keep you from continuing to work with us."
Hearing him be so formal, using such professional words, helped her focus on acting the same... or at least try to. "D-don't worry, Elder. I'm sure I'll... be able to return to you-- to work... as normal... soon enough."
He sighed in relief, "I'm glad." He was then quiet for a moment. "...this of course is something we should keep to ourselves, to prevent... more troubling situations... and... when you return... it would really... ease my mind if you were able to tell me where you stand."
"I-I'll try... Elder," she quickly responded, feeling the urge to leave getting stronger.
"Ad Victoriam, Squire," he saluted the same way he had saluted thousands of times before.
"A-ad Victoriam!" she quickly saluted back before carefully hurrying over to the exit.
On the way back to HQ, she tried to piece together what had developed.
It wasn't very long ago since the Elder had his change of heart. During their adventure surviving out in the wasteland for a few days, Lupe had managed to grow a spine and stand up against the Brotherhood's ethics. That, and the people they met, seemed to change him. And ever since then, she had picked up a few things about him. With him being not much older than her, she couldn't imagine how hard it must be for him to lead such a big faction.
She figured the slight stutter and strange behavior he developed was because of what they had experienced. Maybe he was ashamed. Maybe staying on that single-minded path was what helped him stay focused, the ethics making it easier to make a choice. Maybe having him open up a bit like he did to her helped him realize how young he really is. So whenever he acted strange, she wouldn't make it a big deal, just kindly and discretely helped him out. She didn't want him to have it harder by losing his commanding presence.
...she never guessed he was acting that way... because he was in love with her...
Elder Arthur Maxson... Supreme Commander of the Brotherhood of Steel... his youth was traded for a great number of impressive achievements - feats that would even have the most gritty of mercenaries drop their jaws. And he... had kissed her. His mighty leader attitude was faltering because he... was in love with her.
Lupe De La Fuente, the Minutemen's head of Logistics and an honorary Brotherhood of Steel scribe. ...there wasn't much more to her. She wasn't even a soldier. ...so why her?
When they arrived at HQ, the chief met her at the entrance. Having heard about what had happened, she urged Lupe to go to Cassandra to get something to boost her immune system. Figuring she needed to get it over with so she could go rest and try to figure out what to do about her predicament, she headed straight to the head of science.
In Cassandra's quarters, some nutritious tea was brewed and served. Luckily, it was one of the tastier brews, that didn't involve any crazy ingredients. ...well, nothing too crazy.
"Our youngest department head, diving into the harbor to keep a project on schedule?" the elder chuckled, "You young ones can be so impressionable, I can't tell if it's the Brotherhood loyalty or the chief's crazy determination that's rubbed off on you."
"Mmm," Lupe simply responded, her eyes glued to the tea as she stirred it and took small sips, waiting for it to cool down a bit.
Quietly observing her, Cassandra soon reached up to feel Lupe's forehead, "...no fever. ...but you are rather warm... nervous... head in the clouds..."
She glanced up with a bit of fear. Cassandra was known to be able to see through people, but if she found out...
"...did they yell at you?" she asked.
With a sigh of relief, Lupe shook her head, not knowing what her sigh had revealed.
"Oh... then I guess they were impressed? ...maybe you even impressed a certain someone?"
She couldn't stop herself from getting scared of where this was going, inhaling some air for a breath she could hold as she panicked.
Cassandra giggled at the reaction, "Don't worry, Lupe, I'm not going to pry for details. ...I just had the feeling that you were troubled. ...anything you'd like to talk about?"
While it was scary to be talking about it with someone so soon, Cassandra was wise and kept secrets. But was she really going to be able to help her with this without knowing it was Elder Maxson? Taking a deep breath, she figured it'd be best to start with the basics. "...someone... really likes me. ...and I don't know what to do."
"Ah... young romantics. Let's see..." she took a moment to gather her words. "Is it someone you consider a friend? Someone you've spent time with regularly and formed a bond with?"
"...yeah, you could... say that..."
"And current situations aside, would he be someone you'd like to spend more time with and get to know on a deeper level?"
"...yeah."
"...but do you have any romantic interest in him?"
Romantic interest? ...in Arthur Maxson? His status as Elder aside, he did seem like an interesting guy but... to possibly have a future with him? The leader of the Brotherhood of Steel? Even if she had any feelings, it wouldn't change the fact that it could mean trading most of her freedom for a life of... well, she doesn't even know what it'd be exactly! She may know what the Brotherhood does and what life with them is like, but is it really something for her? Something she'd dedicate her life to? ...and if dating Maxson would eventually lead to maybe... become his wife and partner... would she have to share his burden? While she likes the idea of having that kind of meaningful life, being there for someone with such an important job, would it really be worth the attention and pressure she'd get? The expectations? ...the target on her back?
...but... what if it would be worth it? What if they will stay in the Commonwealth and... it wouldn't be as bad as she thought? ...they had changed for the better, after all. ...and the alliance...
Cassandra waited a moment before assuring her, "If you don't know, you should tell him that. I'm sure he'd appreciate you being honest and not just giving him the cold shoulder. And there's no shame in not returning the sentiment right away. Maybe after giving it some time, seeing him through this new perspective, you might get interested in him."
"...and what if... I don't want to date him?"
"Feelings don't have to ruin a friendship." Cassandra smiled, "And if it is who I think it is, I'm sure both of you would manage to move on and go back to how things were, maybe even be better friends because of it."
Who was it she thought... oh, right... she wasn't the only one sent by the Minutemen to work with the Brotherhood. "It- it's not Ellis. ...we actually talked about it weeks ago, he... said he had a crush on me but... moved on before he could confess," she explained, remembering the rather fun moment they had, becoming better friends, just like Cassandra said. But to get better advice, she needed to share... "This guy who... confessed... he's part of the Brotherhood... and he... has to stay with them..."
Expressing shock for a moment, Cassandra sighed, "I see... so it's one of those situations... Communication is key. Don't let his or your own feelings throw you into something you don't want. You're still very young, Lupe. I won't pry for more details about him, so it will be up to you to judge if you even want to give it a try. But if you can't feel naturally attracted, in both heart and mind, it's best to stay away from it, save you both from the unnecessary heartache."
Deep down, she knew it was that simple. Her mind was being clouded by fear and... whatever else it was that kept her from making up her mind. She knew that dating the Elder would bring too much change in her life. And since life was practically perfect for her at HQ, why should she change that? No, if luck was on her side, she'd just tell him she's not ready, and he'll get over it and she won't have to change a thing. She gets to remain Lupe, the head of logistics, and live with her friends at HQ.
It really can be that simple.
Thanking Cassandra, they wished each other a good night and parted ways, Lupe heading down to her quarters.
While tired, she still struggled to fall asleep. Her feelings had calmed down and she was able to relax and just focus on something other than what had happened, but she remained wide awake.
Lying in bed, she glanced around her room, seeing all the things she had collected over the years. So many memories leading up to where she was now. All the things she'd grown to love and piece together a dream for the future. Her chances to acquire at least some parts of that dream... they were right where she was now.
That's right, she thought. If the chief's vision of the future becomes reality, the area north of the plaza, West Roxbury, would be renovated and become a new settlement. Lupe could get her own home, if she wanted, and get the chance to make her own workshop if she ever wanted to quit her job as a department head. Maybe live in one of those houses by Fairline Hills, be neighbors with Ilene, Jake, and their family.
A rather recent addition to her dream future was to start a family someday. Having been around Shaun and Laura, and seeing the adorable Emins couple having a kid - the idea to become a mother someday had become exciting to her. She'd start wondering what kind of kids she'd have, what names she'd give them... a fantasy she hadn't explored since she was a little kid...
Thinking more about it, she started to imagine herself pregnant. It was a strange thing, remembering what her body was capable of doing - creating life like that. And with how good the hospitals are now, it's safer than ever to bring a new life into the wasteland. To hold her own little baby, soothe them, and feel their little hand grab her finger for comfort, hear them laugh for the first time...
She felt herself drift into the dream and imagined herself in that lovely neighborhood where she and her friends would live. She was walking around, holding her baby, talking to people who came up to her and congratulated her. Then she saw Jake, who was really happy to see her, and he too congratulated her, ...calling her... "Mrs. Maxson"...
Feeling an arm gently wrap around her, and a familiar voice speak next to her, she didn't have to look to know who it was. In her dream, she started a family... with... Arthur?!
Waking up, she found herself wide awake again. Again thinking about the fact… that Arthur Maxson kissed her.
At this point, she couldn't stop herself from crying a little. She obviously didn't want to trade that future she wanted... for a life with the Brotherhood...
But she couldn't deny that she... not only didn't hate the idea... but she actually liked Arthur.
When she woke up the next day, she almost wished she actually had pneumonia. Or at the very least have a cold that would prevent her from returning to the Prydwen so soon. But no, she was checked one more time and cleared for a return to the Prydwen. She wasn't sick, and she didn't want to feel like a burden when she knew they needed her at the airport, her schedule already adjusted to give her the lighter work.
So for a few days, she was given plenty of time to work on rather easy assignments that didn't require her to be outside or do any heavy lifting. All those days, she was on edge, waiting to be called to Arthur for a private meeting. She didn't know what to say. Cassandra may have helped her see her options, but it didn't help her make a decision. So each time she had anyone walk up to her, mention Maxson, or whenever they actually saw each other, she had braced herself.
After a while, she had the feeling that he was giving her some space, keeping things extra professional. The few times she had caught him looking at her, there was a brief hint of guilt. Whenever they talked, she tried to act like everything was normal, but she would still be very nervous around him, even more so than she was on her first day working with them.
And then, it happened.
She was slowly returning to normal duty and had a productive day down in the airport ruins, working with her team to renovate the place and turn it into a proper facility for the Brotherhood to use. Everyone was returning up to the airport proper, Lupe checking in with a few to fill in a few parts in her report. And then, she saw Maxson stand with one of his bodyguards by the entrance. He had already inspected their progress, and he wasn't the first person she was supposed to report to.
Realizing that he might be waiting for her, she stopped in her tracks, turned to the worker she was talking to, and nervously explained she had forgotten something and needed to go back and get it. They seemed to buy it and she quickly jogged back to hide around a corner. While she didn't want to risk getting caught, she needed to know what they might say. Sure enough, the worker was asked where Lupe was and they responded with what she had told them. But it didn't seem to make them leave like she had hoped. ...they were looking for her. ... In fact, when the worker had left, Maxson told his companion it would be best if they waited at the entrance. That's right... until they've finished their work on the second exit, the entrance was her only way out.
She knew it could just be business as usual... but she was freaking out! She couldn't handle letting him see her like this, unable to keep a cool head... how could he be in love with her? Why?! Why did it have to be her, someone who isn't even Brotherhood material?! Can't he see what a disgrace she'd be? ...can't he just forget about her? ...forget about her so... she could forget about him?
Those past few days, she had tried to crush her feelings with logic. To find parts of the Brotherhood she couldn't accept, future plans she couldn't be a part of. But the vast majority of attempts had only led to her liking the Brotherhood more. The people she worked with, the future they saw for the Brotherhood, the stories she heard about people who had family in the wastes, the work she did, the contact she kept with her friends... There wasn't really much she would sacrifice. In fact... she felt excited at the idea now... but... she was still so scared...
They said something. She didn't hear it, her mind full of fears. She heard footsteps. They were getting closer. …she couldn't move.
"Lupe?"
Turning to the doorway, she saw him. He was looking concerned.
She... she couldn't. Panicking, she ran deeper into the ruins.
"Lupe- Wait!" he called after her. And after a moment, he began following her down the corridor. Catching up with her enough to not have to shout too loudly, he tried "Why are you running away?"
"I'm sorry! I just can't face you right now!" she shouted back.
He may have dealt with scared soldiers before but... would it work the same now? "Would you please stop? This is getting ridiculous!"
...right. Why give him more reasons to be ashamed of liking her? And she had to stand her ground, tell him she couldn't give him a real answer yet... that's all she needed to do... to get more time... She stopped. She was halfway down a slope in the garage and tried to prepare herself.
"...I'm sorry," she managed to get out when she heard him stop a few feet behind her.
He sighed, "No need, this is... I understand."
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and turned around, looking down at the ground. "How can you... Why you would even want to... what is it about me, with how I- ...why me? I- I'm not... I'm not even a real member of the Brotherhood."
It was strange, glancing up to see him form a small smile and briefly hesitate as he gathered his words, "Because... you helped me realize... that it's not important?"
The uncertainty in his voice had her look up again. He was... trying to be romantic, maybe. Seeing him like this, caused a flutter in her stomach. ...he was making it even more difficult.
Seeing her so nervous, he glanced around and saw a bench by the old broken elevators down at the end of the slope. "Let us... find a more comfortable place to talk." Making their way down the slope, he tried to help her relax by changing the subject. "...this place is coming along nicely. You and your team are working quite efficiently. With these expansions, I'm sure we can establish a more permanent presence here in the Commonwealth."
She didn't think much of it, since it was a discussion they'd had before. And it was one of the arguments she tried and failed to use against her feelings. Sitting down on the bench, she kept her focus on trying to calm down and avoid eye contact for now.
"...I'm excited about the Brotherhood's future here. Together with the Minutemen, I'm sure we can achieve great things for the Commonwealth. ...and I'm grateful for your part in helping me see this future."
Looking up at him, she saw him lean against the wall between the two elevators, keeping his eyes on the ground as he focused on his words.
"...even if you don't want such a… personal future with me, ...having you around has made it easier to improve things. ...you don't have to be Brotherhood material to be... an inspiration."
Arthur... there he was again, that boy she saw for a brief moment during their adventure. He was a young man trying his best to be a good leader. There was no denying he did a good job, almost making her believe leadership really was in his blood. A Maxson. But with such a reputation, there were a lot of expectations, keeping him from being anything else than a leader and a soldier. While she believed it was right to stand up against the ethics he upheld, she had been scared it would've been too much for him. But he persevered... something in him changed and he... stood his ground. He wasn't a coward, he didn't yell at her for daring to question him... and he didn't act like a jerk about what was going on between them... He was a good man. Someone she...
The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't ignore it. She wanted to give it a try, but was she really ready for it? ...she didn't know. ...she didn't...
She started crying. Trying to wipe the tears away, she knew she had to let him know now or her tears would just make things awkward. "Arthur, ...I think I'm in love with you," she managed to get out, sensing him having left the wall to take a step closer to her out of concern. "I always figured what I felt was just respect for who you have become, you were already such a great leader for someone so young. It would've been easier for you to just ignore what we went through; ignore what I said... but you... you didn't. E-everything you've done... I was scared you would be crushed by the weight of it all, risking so much... and now I know I wasn't scared because I was working here... but... because I care about you. ...but I... I don't know if I can handle being with you like this, you-... you deserve someone who can help you shoulder the burden and I don't know if I... if I can..." The tears were getting overwhelming now.
He took another step closer, kneeling down by where she sat on the bench, "Y-you don't have to, Lupe. ...listen," he gently reached for her hand and held it as he spoke, "...you have been a distraction - a beautiful distraction. Occupying my mind and preventing me from operating normally when you're around -- and at the same time, you have inspired me. I know what it is I'm missing because of you... I don't need you to take on another duty. I don't need you to shoulder my burdens - the strength you're giving me... by letting me be with you; talk to you. That's all I need."
He finally got to see her regain enough composure to look at him, see her quivering lips form a smile.
"...and I don't want this to be public until you want it to be. ...if those words you said were true... I'll fight to keep our relationship away from the spotlight. It's our private lives. We'll... find time for each other... find ways to take things at our own pace. ...there will be times when I will have to choose my duty over you, it's inevitable. But if you're willing to give us a chance... to give me a chance... know that I will cherish every second of it."
There was a quiet moment as he let her take it all in, wiping away a few more tears.
Eventually, he decided to ask, "So... Lupe De La Fuente... will you? ...will you give us a chance?"
Looking at him again, moved by his words, she chuckled, then nodded. "...yes."
He smiled. And oh, what a smile. With a low, breaking voice, he thanked her. They were already so vulnerable in front of each other, that she didn't have much hesitation when she carefully moved off the bench and wrapped her arms around him. While he hesitated for a moment, he soon hugged her back. It was so new to him, she knew that, which made it even more important to give him a good hug. One that conveyed just how happy she was. Sure, it was scary, it being their first relationship, and their unique situation making it something they have to hide for as long as possible. But she believed in him. She knew now that she wanted to be with him.
After a moment of their tight embrace, they leaned back a bit, Arthur stroking her cheek which was still wet from her tears. With his eyes glancing down a bit, he whispered "...may I?"
“...what?”
With a chuckle, he lightly stroked the corner of her mouth with his thumb, “May I?” he repeated a little louder.
“...oh,” she giggled and tried to prepare herself as she replied, "...you may."
She watched as he leaned in, then closed her eyes just as their lips met. She felt his beard tickle her skin as he gave her a rather chaste kiss. He was playing it safe and was planning to make it brief. But she was tired of being uncertain about this. She had made her decision. No more hesitation. So when he started leaning back, she followed and kissed him a little deeper than he had, reaching up to cup his cheek. By the sound of his breath, he was surprised but quickly adjusted.
When they finally leaned back, she gave a second thought to what she had just done and felt a bit ashamed. She had been rather bold. ...that and the fact that she had ended up straddling his lap.
Looking at her, he let out a big sigh, "We... should head back now. Before they start wondering."
She nodded, "...yeah." Carefully, she moved off his lap and used the bench to push herself up on her feet, watching as he got up as well.
As always, she was impressed with how easily he regained that stoic expression. Maybe it was the scar, maybe it was the facial hair, maybe it was the years of practice. Either way, she felt her heart beat proudly as he glanced at her and gave a faint smile. She put that smile on his face. She made him that happy.
Maybe he was right. Maybe she didn't need to be Brotherhood material to be a good partner to him. If she could make him that happy, maybe it was worth it.
It had been surprisingly easy to focus on her work again. After some rest, she had even almost forgotten about it... but only briefly. Her feelings were easier to manage, now that it was settled. She'd catch herself daydreaming a few times, but it wasn't so bad that others would bring it up. After all, they knew she had a lot on her mind, with the work she had. And for him, she would work hard, get things done faster so she could take some time to relax and... maybe see him.
Working down in the ruins again, she was wrapping up her work for the day and the workers made their way up one by one. She took some extra time getting things ready... just in case... and sure enough, she heard footsteps and looked up to see Arthur in the doorway. ...Arthur... her boyfriend. ...man, that will take some time to get used to.
"Hello, Elder," she greeted with a smile, "...what's our status?"
"Total privacy." He glanced around and her gaze followed. Yup. No windows, no second door. Perfect for private matters. Closing the door behind him, he started walking towards her, "So... how was your day?"
Leaning against the bench behind her, she sighed, "Tiring. We got a lot done, though. We're ahead of schedule... but HQ let me know the supplies will be a little delayed due to some emergency repairs that were needed at Warwick Homestead."
"That's... good to hear, actually," he stopped a few feet away from her, glancing around a bit, "That means you will have some time. ...I was thinking... maybe we could hang out for a moment tomorrow. I need to work on a letter for the West Coast chapter, explaining the recent developments, and... I'd like the company."
"I see..." she smiled a little wider, "wouldn't I be a distraction, though?"
"Not if you behave, keep a low profile," he got a little closer, "...I just need something to do during my breaks, and I'd like to talk to you more."
It felt so weird, so new... but so sweet, "I'd like that too," she chuckled and turned away to give it some more thought, "So... got any ideas for... how I can get in and out without raising suspicion?"
"Most personnel on the ship will be down on the ground by 10:35, as long as you knock before entering, anyone who'd catch you wouldn't think it's suspicious. And if anyone asks, you can tell them you had a question. Being a representative of an important ally, you have the right to go directly to me."
He was so clever. It made it easier to not be scared about the idea of sneaking into his private quarters. "Roger that, Elder."
After a brief moment of just looking at her, he reached up to stroke her cheek, "We're alone... call me Arthur."
Enjoying the gentle touch from his somewhat rough hand, she smiled at him and leaned a bit closer, shyly looking down at his chest, "Of course... Arthur."
His hand moved down to gently guide her face up, prompting her to lean even closer, almost falling into his embrace as he leaned down and kissed her. Her hands on his chest, she reached up to his neck, gently keeping him in place. With his arms wrapped around her, it was quite cozy, his big leather jacket isolating the warmth they shared.
After one more peck on the lips, she leaned down to rest her head on his chest, sneaking her arms in under his jacket, feeling him embrace her and lean his head on hers.
It still felt so crazy, to date the Elder. A love story that had to be secret. But… she didn’t feel all that worried about the future anymore. She could do this. She wanted to do this. To be with Arthur… the man she, not too long ago, shouted at for having bad ethics…
Crazy how having a little backbone could change her life.
