Last Stop New Vegas

[CortezHorse]

Ben kept hold of her hand, never wanting to let go as long as she’d let him continue to cling. He felt silly and childish at the urge but it’d been so long since he felt this way and they’d been apart for years. If he could help it then he’d never forget anything about her, including the feeling of holding her hand.


“Hm? Oh, well, no, guess not.”


She was right, it didn’t feel like that long. It felt like they’d separated for no more than a week or so although when they had been apart it felt much longer.


“Pretty easy to get back into the feel of it with ya.”


He looked away, always avoiding her eyes when he muttered something even close to be sweet or possibly sappy. God forbid he was romantic.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Darling strayed off the clear cut path, trudging through the wild grasses and weeds that grew with abandon on empty plots of land. In the distance, if she listened, she could hear the faint sound of water that moved along at a lazy pace. Of course, her concentration on that was broken when she heard Ben's words. There was a moment in which she blinked before smiling at him.


"You're an easy guy to be around, you know that? I mean, you never really made me feel unwelcome, or like you didn't want to have me around, though I'm sure you wouldn't have minded getting rid of me at first."


It was a half joke. Though he never made her uncomfortable, Ben just hadn't seemed like the type to appreciate her unending optimism and need to make friends with most people she came in contact with. Despite that, and his grumpy disposition, she still never felt as though he truly disliked her and even that didn't last too long. Once he warmed up to her, she didn't feel much out of place at all.


Ben was nice to be around. Simple as that.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben smirked, looking down at the ground shyly.


“Well, I..guess I thought you were a bit much at first. Just cause I’d been alone for a long time though, anybody woulda been a bit too much fer me.”


He linked their fingers and squeezed her hand, feeling braver now that they were away and out of sight.


“Glad we stuck together though.”


The sound of babbling water became louder now and Ben crinkled his head.


“Water?”


He turned his head, looking down at her, curious as to where he was being lead.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

"I'm a bit much for everyone." She sounded a bit sheepish. Well, it wasn't her fault she was terribly optimistic, that was just who she was.


Smile widening, she gave his hand a squeeze.


"I told you I had a good idea for how to spend a bit of time."


Just a bit farther and the grass started to give away as they reached the river bank, the ground soft and shaded by a single tree. The water was clear, crisp as it flowed uninhibited by any stones, reflecting the warm colors of the sky back up at them.


It was then she released his hand, motioning towards the river quite happily. It wasn't too wide and it was just shallow enough so the fear of drowning wasn't a true worry.


"I think I talked about this place once, it's one of my favorite places to just...relax for a bit."

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben looked the area over, a pleased expression on his face as he bent down by the water’s edge and dipped his fingers into the cool, clear water. He’d never seen water so beautiful.


“S’nice.”


He stood and walked to the tree next, running his hands over the bark then carefully swiping his fingers over a smooth, green leaf.


“Haven’t seen a tree in a while.”


After inspecting all the flora he sat down with a grunt, leaning his back against the trunk of the tree. He plucked at the grass and rolled the blades in between his fingers. Ben looked up at her and smirked.


“Can make a whistle out of these, I remember.”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Darling moved to sit closer to the water. Unlacing her shoes, she pulled them off and sat them aside. Rolling the bottom of her pants up, she dipped her feet into the water before looking back over at him. Ben looked peaceful and it was nice to see him like that, nice to see him out of the dangerous desert and out of a home where he never seemed too comfortable.


Yeah, this was already a good idea.


"It's pretty, isn't it? Desert is pretty too, I liked all the cacti flowers, but, I dunno, this is home."


She shifted so she could drape her arms on her knees and grinned at his last statement.


"A whistle? You know, much like your card playing abilities, I don't think that's something I can believe until I see it."

 

[CortezHorse]

“Hm.”


Ben grunted, continuing to pluck grass as he sat in the shade.


“Seen too many cacti, tired of ‘em. This is better.”


He looked up when she stated she didn’t believe him, she was grinning at him and he smiled in return. Feeling at ease in such a calm place with her, just her.


“Just gotta hold the blade ‘tween your thumbs like this, hold it tight and blow.”


He pressed his lips to the back of his thumbs and blew, the grass produced a squawk like whistle and Ben pulled back with a grin.


“Try it.”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

The sound had Darling biting her lip in an attempt to stop from giggling too much. Plucking a blade of grass she had decided was he best chance to replicate such a phenomenon, Darling glanced back at Ben before adjusting the piece of grass between her thumbs.


A sputtering sound escaped her and the blade of grass flew from her fingers and lilted as it drifted back onto the ground.


There was a moment of silence before Darling laughed, snorting at herself as she let her face rest in her hand. She let herself fall backwards until she was lying down, trying to get a hand on her endless giggles that made her torso shake.


She huffed, giggling one last time.


"Alright that has to be some kind of" she wiggled her fingers, "lip magic because I think I'm going to have to add that to the list of things I can't do."

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben watched calmly, amused as she laughed at her failed attempt, a grin crept up on his lips and he even huffed a laugh as Darling lied on the grass giggling.


“Nah, you can do it. C’mere, I’ll show ya.”


He ushered her over, when she made it to him he turned her around and pulled her close to him. Her back was flush against him and he had to swallow thickly against the rising tide of feelings.


“Just, ah..hold it tight.”


Another piece of grass was plucked and placed between her thumbs. He cupped his hands around hers and pressed her thumbs tightly together.


“Alright now just press your lips there and blow.”


He had to work to keep his voice and breath even, he was just showing her a simple trick, nothing more was to be thought of the situation.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Darling settled back against him, very much aware of how his chest felt against her back, his hands pressing around hers. Another giggle bubbled up from her this one born almost from nervousness which was absolutely silly. She wasn't nervous, she didn't have any reason to be nervous.


Maybe surprised, that was it, surprised that Ben had wanted her so close. In truth, she didn't mind.


Eyes flickering to him just once, she looked to their hands and repeated her actions from before.


Blowing against the blade of grass created the smallest, highest pitched sound.


Well, that was better than last time. Excited about this new found ability, she blew against the blade of grass again and made the same weak noise.


A grin was on her face as she looked back Ben. She looked far too proud of herself, giddy.


"Well now I have a new talent to show off and impress everyone I meet."

 

[CortezHorse]

He smiled and couldn't help but focus on the fact that their faces were inches apart. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his murky eyes looked over her face, etching every detail into his memory before his gaze settled with hers.


"Yea."


Was the only word that he managed to choke out.


Do it now.


A strange voice commanded him and his stomach twisted into knots.


Now!





Ben dipped down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

There was a moment in which her mind had to catch up of the reality of what had just happened before she could make herself react.


Ben kissed her.


The blade of glass fluttered to the ground as she moved her hand, resting it on the side of his face to keep him close to her. She smoothed her thumb against his cheek, letting her lips linger against his before she eased back just enough to break the contact. That time, when she giggled, it was an airy sound, something light and almost disbelieving.


She could feel how warm her cheeks had become, heat settling there and in her ears.


"I have to say," she mused, smoothing her thumb across his face once more, "I've thought about doing that way too much."

 

[CortezHorse]

He sighed, turning his face into her touch, so soft and delicate like he actually meant something to her and the most amazing part about was, he did, and he did mean something to her. As much as he could argue against it, deep down he knew it was true.


His heart fluttered at her comment, the thought of her thinking about, wanting to kiss him was unbelievable. How? How could he be so lucky? And why?


Ben grinned at her, the expression honest and true as they looked into each other’s eyes.


“Me too.”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

It was all still sinking in. He looked so peaceful, so handsome leaning into her hand. His grin made her heart flutter a little, warmth slowly spreading out until she felt like, maybe, everything was right with the world. In all the ways she had imagined finally kissing him, she never thought it'd be like this, that it might be so, well, perfect.


She kissed him again, reveling in not only the newness of it, but how it seemed like they should have been doing this all along, like it was an inevitable end for them.


Yeah, she could get used to this.


"You're perfect, you know that?"


She mused the words without too much thought. Hell, it wasn't like she had to hold back anymore.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben snorted a laugh and pressed his forehead against Darling’s. Eyes closed he enjoyed the quiet moment and the intimacy for a brief pause before speaking.


“Perfect? Don’t gotta lie to me.”


He gently maneuvered her so she sat sideways in his lap, better access to her lips and more of her soft skin. Ben dipped his head down and nuzzled his face into the side of her neck, long arms winding around her and holding tight. Everything he’d felt, wanted to do, it was all spilling out all at once. He wanted to touch and taste every part of her, afraid that once they went back to her house it would come to an end.


Gently he pressed a kiss to the crook of her neck then sighed, his hot breath gusted over skin as he hummed with pleasure.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

"Sometimes the truth is just as sappy as I am."


Shifting to make things a bit easier on him, the blonde settled into his lap, legs draped off over one of his. It was the firmness in which he held her that made Darling relax, made her drape an arm around him and lean close as he nuzzled her neck. There was something in the back of her mind that was telling her it felt off, that it was strange compared to others she had been close with. It would take a little bit of time to adjust to the feeling of not having his nose bump against her skin, or being able to thread her fingers through his hair. But, for once, it seemed like they had time to spare.


The feeling of his breath made the skin on her arms prickle with goosebumps, the sensation leaving her more ticklish than anything. With her fingers starting to trace the patchwork skin on his neck, she could feel him hum.


She turned her head to nuzzle back against him, her skin brushing his neck when she mumbled once more.


"You know, I'm really hoping this isn't just a one time show of affection."

 

[CortezHorse]

“Nah, long as you want me I’m here.”


He lifted his head and pressed another kiss to her lips, this one deep and slow. Her lips were so soft and she wanted him, she wanted him! It wasn’t some pitying on her part she actually wanted him this close, wanted his kisses and his touches. Just the thought and realization that someone didn’t find him repulsive made tears sting behind his closed eyes.


His hand snaked up her torso and into her hair where he threaded his fingers into the soft strands. He ran a thumb back and forth on her scalp and sighed into the kiss.


It was so easy to be like this with her, like they should have been this close the entire time they’d known each other. With the knowledge that this was what she wanted as well, Ben was emboldened and pushed forward without hesitance.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

He kissed her and Darling didn't hesitate this time when it came to returning the action in kind. Her hand slipped down from his neck to lightly trail her fingers along the length of his bicep, feeling the way his muscle tensed and twitched when he moved his hand into her hair. Her other arm had slipped around him, keeping him close, her touches tender and smooth.


She made a quiet noise in the back of her throat, a pleased little hum and allowed herself to be lost in the moment.


Yeah, they should have been doing this sooner.


"Jesus Christ."





The surprised and more than a little put off words drew Darling out of her revere and managed to rip her out of the moment with such speed she felt a little dizzy. She broke the kiss with Ben in an instant as she whipped her head about to stare at her sister. Viola, on the other hand, was doing her very best to not stare. The sky had become suddenly quite interesting to the younger Harlow sister.


"Viola-"


"Nope." She passively lifted her hands. "I don't even wanna know, I'm just here because ma wanted me to remind you that you gotta be up early tomorrow and...just...yeah. I'm gonna go. Now."


A quiet mumbling of 'why is it always me?' could be heard as she stalked off.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben’s heart almost jumped out of his throat when he caught sight of Darling’s sister. Apparently Darling felt the same way, she ripped away from the kiss and Ben scrambled back away from her in response. He nudged her off his lap as Viola walked off muttering, leaving the two surprised and leaving Ben more embarrassed than anything else. His throat bobbed as he swallowed and looked away at the ripples of the water.


“Sorry.”


He grumbled out, afraid that she might be ashamed she was caught with him and possibly regretted it.


“Let’s, uh, let’s head back.”


As much as he didn’t want to head back, especially now that probably everyone in the family knew what they’d been up to, Ben didn’t want to spend much more time out here and give the family ideas of possible things they’d been doing besides kissing.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Moving off of Ben, Darling let out a quiet breath, smoothing out her hair that had become ruffled by his hand. Her heartbeat was starting to settle once more and she watched as Viola disappeared from sight before her attention returned to Ben. Slowly, she nodded.


"Sorry? Ben you don't have a thing to be sorry for."


Standing, Darling dusted her jeans off and offered Ben a hand, a faint smile on her pink, kiss-bitten lips.


"But, yeah, you're right, we should probably head on back. It's getting dark anyway."


The sun was almost gone by then, the last tendrils of light disappearing on the horizon, leaving a very dark sky in its wake.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben followed her back and held her hand, fingers threated with hers. He didn’t want their alone time to end, didn’t want to have so many inches in between them. Ben had never had someone care for him this way and after so many years starved of such affection, he was hungry for it.


When the house came into view Ben slackened his grip on her hand, giving her the option to part from him to avoid comments from her family. If she did want to continue holding his hand then that was even better. Although the thought about being confronted about something so new and unfamiliar to him was unsettling but it also made it feel more real.


Before they passed through the door he leaned over and softly kissed her cheek.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

They reached the door and, for once, Darling felt a little apprehensive. It wasn't as though she were ashamed of Ben, nothing could be farther from the truth. He wasn't a ghoul, he was someone who helped her, someone who stood by her side and kept her safe when he didn't have to. He had been there when she shot her first raider, had been a companion in a place where she never expected to find one. Ben couldn't be so easily summed up by a handful of adjectives, nor could she really put to words how her heart felt warm when he so much as held her hand. She wasn't ashamed, but the idea of opening that can of worms so soon, when so much still had a chance to go wrong, wasn't something she wanted to do.


Figuring it all out for herself before dragging her family into it and dealing with their thoughts and expectations seemed like a good idea.


He kissed her cheek and she squeezed his hand before letting it go, the warmth of his palm still lingering against her skin.


"I know it's probably not the best option, but maybe we should keep this a bit quiet for now, hmm? I think we can wait to be bombarded with questions for a bit. Besides, keeping it quiet means I get to keep you all to myself." And she smiled at the last bit, winking before she pushed the door open.

 

[CortezHorse]

“I understand.”


He nodded to her, shyly looking away due to her latter comment. She was amazing.


Ben followed her in quietly and found himself eyeing her younger sister, Viola, wondering if the girl had told anyone. From the lack of response at their arrival he assumed she’d said nothing. Good.


He took a seat near Daniel, doing his best to relax and act casual. Think of something to talk about so you don’t feel so awkward.


“Can show ya some shootin’ tomorrow if you’d like, get ya ready for that big adventure you wanna go on.”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Daniel hadn't been expecting Ben to sit near him, though it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Blinking, it took him a moment to process Ben's offer. A wide grin spread across his face, making him look far too young for such a endeavor with just how raw that excitement was.


"I was actually thinkin' that maybe I should head to New Reno instead, but yeah, I yeah, that sounds great. I imagine I'll have to be able to shoot pretty well out there too." Though his heart was no longer set on the Mojave, the idea of still leaving, of seeing just a little bit more of the world, appeased him. Besides, who didn't want to go gambling in New Reno?


Darling only caught half of her brother's answer, after all, she had engaged herself in a silent conversation of stares with Viola.


No, the younger girl hadn't run her mouth. For that, she was thankful.


"You should have an easier time helping him than when you tried to help me. Daniel can at least shoot a rifle without bruising himself." Darling shook her head a little, still able to very clearly recall the time Ben had tried to help her out. Large weapons, despite that bit of practice, were something she still tended to avoid.

 

[CortezHorse]

Well, at least he was steering clear of the Mojave.


“Yea, gotta be a good shot anywhere you go.”


Outside of the comfy little border, no matter what direction you went, there was chaos everywhere. In some areas the danger was more hidden but that didn’t change that fact that it was still there.


Darling walked up behind him and spoke, Ben casted a small grin over his shoulder at her then turned his attention back to Daniel.


“Yea, she bout knocked herself over shootin’ my rifle. Thought I’d done killed her with just a little target practice.”


That was an exaggeration of course. Darling had done well even with a bruised up shoulder and a gun that was too high powered for her.


He flexed his fingers, keeping his hands in his lap so he didn’t reach out to Darling by accident and ruin their cover. It was difficult though, he wanted to touch and kiss her, just hold her in his lap.