Last Stop New Vegas

[Interstellar Bun]

Pulling her socks and shoes back on, she hefted her backpack onto her shoulders and managed to wrangle Freckles into her arms. The dog was yapping, squirming with energy, and absolutely soaking wet. She handed the dog off to Ben.


"Since you two are such a lovely team, you know, ganging up on me earlier, I suppose it's only fair that you carry her."


She smiled before starting off, heading along the same path that had promised to bring them to the Strip before. They'd traveled a good distance since the last town, miles passing by under their feet as they just kept moving forward, even with all the Legion mess they had managed to cover a good bit of ground. Surely they were due to find another settlement soon. Darling didn't mind sleeping out under the stars, rather liked it really, but she preferred the safety of a town even more.


Really, more than that, she just wanted a chance to buy a new pistol. The fact that she had ammo but no hand gun made her nervous.


"So how come you've never gone to the Strip before?"


Ben had so much time on is hands, chances to do things, and yet, he hadn't gone there yet. It was odd to her, considering the Strip was where most people she knew went when they bothered to suffer through the Mojave.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben's nose crinkled in mock disgust when the soppy pooch was shoved into his arms. Freckles wriggled non-stop in his grasp and even chewed on his hands, apparently desperate for freedom.


"Hm, I shoulda' thought over making this partnership with you."


He gave the dog's nose a poke and she nipped at his fingertips giving a ferocious, high-pitched growl. Ben could only roll his eyes and shove Freckles back into his duster pocket, where the pup flailed about with an imaginary assailant before finally tuckering herself out and falling asleep.


As always the sun was hot and the ground was hard under their feet but with the little foray into the water, Ben could honestly say he was in a good mood. It was miraculous really, he'd been back in the Legion's grip not but a day ago and hear he was feeling in high spirits. Sure, that could be attributed to the fact that with the life he lead one had to put things behind them or they'd go insane but that wasn't it, normally he'd just be extra bitter and sullen at this point. It seemed his sunny companion truly was rubbing off on him.


Darling's question caught him a bit off guard and he had to think for a moment, gears turning in his head as to what she'd asked him. Why had he never gone to the Strip? Well, that was a question with quite an answer. His face pulled into a frown as he mulled over exactly what to tell her; be truthful or just say you never got around to it? She was smart, she'd known if he was lying, and the fact he was even considering lying was ridiculous. It was just a knee-jerk reaction.


"I just, never really wanted to travel outside of the places I knew."


A pause as he put together his next words.


"Once I got free of the Legion and found a comfortable area to travel in, I didn't wanna leave it. I was.."...just say it ya fuckin' pansy..."..scared..that if I went to grounds I was unfamiliar with that I'd get caught again. Didn't care about being killed just, didn't wanna get caught."


He grit his teeth, feeling awkward and embarrassed after sharing that. He had to feel the space with more words.


"Also heard that it ain't real easy to get into the gates but that could be a fib, I dunno. Heard lots of things over the years so who knows what's truth and what's not. Could be we'll get there and they won't even let ghouls in."


His shoulders hunched up in a shrug, his face moving back to its normal, neutral expression as he did his best to fake indifference.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Scared.


That was the one word that really stuck out to her. Ben always seemed to have a pretty good grip on things. When the raiders attacked he had a plan, when she was crying and trying not to lose herself to what she had been forced to do, he was calm, and even when the Legion attacked and threatened to burn down the building they had been in, Ben was the one who calmly whispered for her to stay there as he gave himself up. To her, it was strange he could be anything but brave.


But, maybe he wasn't really brave. Maybe he was just doing the best he could. It wasn't fair for her to think that he was any braver than she was. He was still just a person, someone who was afraid of getting hurt.


There was a beat before she responded.


"Well, I'm glad you're taking the chance to head there now, and if they don't let ghouls in, then we'll just find somewhere else to go for you to find work and it'll be great."


She hadn't realized what she said until the words were out. It made sense that she'd stick by him, especially after all they'd done, but it was odd realizing that if the Strip really didn't take ghouls in, she'd pick Ben over gambling. The Strip was the entire reason she had made it out this way, and yet, her friendship took prescience without question. She didn't think she could enjoy the casinos if she knew her friend wasn't allowed to be there too.


Mulling the thoughts over, she hadn't realized she became quiet once.


"Do people do that a lot?" Her head tilted slightly with the question. "Discriminate against you because of your appearance, I mean."


For all of her blindness to the world around her, Darling knew that there were some who loathed ghouls just because of what they were. It was baffling to her, especially now. While her exposure to ghouls had been minimal in Oak Creek, as they were few and far between, all the ones she had met had been nice enough and now she was even traveling with one who had been nothing but kind to her.

 

[CortezHorse]

Well, I'm glad you're taking the chance to head there now, and if they don't let ghouls in, then we'll just find somewhere else to go for you to find work and it'll be great.


His head snapped towards her, not quite believing what he'd heard. Surely she didn't mean that, she must have misspoken or even had a minor heat stroke during the middle of the sentence! There was no way that she would come all this way, only to leave if they turned him away. His eyes scanned over her, watching for any sign, any clue that hinted she hadn't meant what she said but there was none to be found.


He turned his head back towards the horizon in disbelief; she'd really skip over the destination she set out for if he wasn't able to make it in with her? There weren't really any words for that, to express what he thought or how he felt about it. Thankfully, Darling interrupted his endless cycle of thoughts on the matter with another question. This one was easier to answer.


"Well, depends on where you're at I guess but yea. We look like walking corpses, or eh, zombies as they like to call us, there's no hiding or getting away from what I am or what I look like. Even if folks are nice they still stare, still don't wanna shake hands or stand to close to ya. I think maybe some are afraid what made us look like this is contagious."


Once again, he shrugged his shoulders, his eyes glued on the desert ahead as he continued.


"Every now and then I get someone that's really afraid of me so they might spit at me, kick me out of the town or somethin'. Normally it's just small stuff that most folks wouldn't notice unless you have to go through it everyday. Like, when I rent a room, they'll give me the one farthest away from the other customers and when I'm at a bar they'll either throw away the cup I drank from or immediately wash it. You never really get use to it, but it gets easier as the years go by."


Suddenly he raised his arm and pointed ahead to a small dot in the distance.


"Well, look at that, guess our luck didn't end with the swimmin' hole."


It was a town, on the edge of the horizon was a town. An unbelievable streak of luck but it seemed the universe was giving them break sine their Legion incident. The closer they got, it was obvious the community was inhabited and thriving in the desert. Small and quaint, it was made of rickety wooden structures with locals bustling about, trying to get their business done before nightfall. The smell of food wafted in the air and along with the thought of a bed to sleep in, it was like a siren's call.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

It was the small things she had never thought about. It had never occurred to her that people might not want to touch the things he had, that they might treat him as though he were sick. It was a silly idea. If they were sick with anything, it was radiation sickness, something that affected anyone who didn't keep up with what they were eating or drinking. Though, the dark thoughts were banished as she realized he was right. There was a town not too far ahead.


Her stomach rumbled as she smelled the food and Darling picked up her pace, driven by her need to eat something. She was stopped suddenly, however, as a uniformed man at the entrance held up a hand.


"Woah hey, sorry, visitors need t-." The man stopped speaking just as quickly as he started, tilting his head down to look over the frames of his sunglasses. "Darlene Harlow? Shit I never thought I'd see your pretty face out here."


The blonde blinked, looking back to Ben as though he might have the answer to this. Her gaze had returned to the man and there was a pause before realization washed over her.


"Alan Williams. God I didn't recognize you." She greeted him with a single armed hug, his NCR armor hard and uncomfortable to maneuver around. "I haven't seen you since you enlisted, what was it, two years ago?" There was a beat before a soft 'oh' escaped her. "I'm being rude aren't I? Alan this is Ben, Ben this is Alan- we grew up together."


She had beckoned him closer as she gave the quick and rather excited introductions.


It was then Alan gave a pause, eyes moving over to the ghoul. There was no handshake offered, no warm and friendly greeting. Instead, a brow lifted, something of disbelief still quite visible behind his sunglasses.


"Well you always did have a knack for making friends with the odd ones."


"Alan." There was a sharp tone of reprimand that made him lift his hands passively despite the fact she was a good foot shorter than him.


"I'm just kidding. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ben, any friend of Darling's is a friend of mine.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben was following in behind Darling when a man in NCR armor stopped them, his stomach dropped, thinking they were going to be denied access into the town but it seemed the guard knew Darling. It was the oddest turn of events as the two exchanged greetings while Ben watched on with a perplexed expression stamped on his face. How the hell do you just run into someone in the Mojave? As he pondered over the possibilities of running into someone he knew from his own past, Darling made introductions between him and this, Alan.


Ben took a step forward as Darling ushered him up to say hello and he presented his hand, which was unsurprisingly passed over. It didn’t embarrass him; Ben simply let his arm drop to his side, having played this scene out time and time again in the past. He already didn’t like this guy.


Well you always did have a knack for making friends with the odd ones.


His mouth turned up into a sneer at the man. Cute, making passive aggressive bigoted statements, why don’t you come on out and say it fucker? It only took a sharp tone from Darling to get the man to backpedal and apologize, claiming that Ben was now his friend. Now that, that was truly laughable if this Alan thought he’d buy that load of bullshit. Still, Ben gave a grunt as he crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes hard and serious as he stared at the smooth skin.


“Sure.”


Well, the luck couldn’t have lasted forever, right? Alan wasn’t as bad as the Legion at least, so there was that.


“So, do we get to come in or is your job to talk to people until they starve to death in the heat?”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Visibly stiffening, there was a twitch of a subtle scowl on his lips before he calmed once more. He stepped aside, motioning, specifically, for Darling to enter. Seemingly oblivious to most of this, Darling gently touched Ben's arm to bring him inside the town limits with her.


"General rules apply, no stealing, no causing trouble, and no scaring the locals." There was intent in those last four words, something subtle and smooth, easily overlooked by those who weren't expecting an insult. "Will you two be staying in town long?"


To that, Darling shook her head.


"Probably just for the night to rest up before hitting the road again. Ben and I have a long way to travel still."


There was a charming smile issued as Alan removed his sunglasses, rich brown eyes bright in the low-light. "Well if you aren't going to be around long, you should join me for dinner, you know, pick up where we left off. How does that sound?"


"That sounds like something I'll have to consider after I get this pack off my shoulders because I am dead tired. Any place we can rent a room around here?"


And when Alan motioned to the direction of the local motel, Darling started off. Turning once, she waved back at the soldier. It was once they were out of ear shot, where she knew her expression couldn't be easily read, Darling looked to Ben. While most of the uncomfortable air had gone over her head out of her excitement, she had seen his tense posture, his scowl.


"You alright?"

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben quietly followed behind Darling, sticking his hand in his jacket pocket to pet Freckles as the soldier spewed off their rules. One was meant for him and if Ben weren't, well, Ben, then he would go and scare the shit out of everyone just to make trouble for this asshole. Considering that wasn't how he handled things, he stuck to simply glaring at the man as he continued on and invited Darling to dinner.


His grip on the pup in his pocket tightened when Alan smiled in, what he considered, a sleazy fashion. It was obvious the man liked Darling and whether or not she reciprocated these feelings Ben was unsure. What he was sure of was that he didn't like the fact that someone like him was interested in her. She didn't deserve a bigoted soldier who stood around all day and thought he was big stuff just because he wore armor and held a gun. Ben almost started to growl at the thought of the two of them, laughing pleasantly over food when Darling moved off. He tossed a glare over his shoulder at the soldier then followed on her heels.


"You alright?"


No. Can he say no? Can he tell her that he doesn't want her to go to dinner with someone like him?


"I'm fine. Your boyfriend needs to learn manners though or grow the balls to come out and say what he feels."


There we go, that'll do.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

That was a bit harsher than she thought it would be. Ben was a harsh person, and yet, that took her off guard. His words, his insult, they weren't aimed at her, but for some inexplicable reason, she felt a tinge of offense. Maybe it was that single word that caught her attention, one that prickled her nerves. Boyfriend. Alan was her friend, or, he had been her friend. Two years could change people, and while she wanted to believe they had just caught him on an off day, or that Ben had misunderstood, she didn't think arguing with Ben about it would get anything done. Doing what she did best, she'd try to twist things, spin them to something better.


Darling pushed the door to the hotel open, holding it for him.


"You could say that about a lot of people. But, come on, you'll feel better about it all after we get a nice room, settle down, and just get a shot to relax."


Already she was digging out her money, trying to figure how much she'd have to pay for a room with two beds. He had paid last time, and it was only fair for her to carry half of the financial burden as well.


"And, if you still feel all grumbly after that, then I'll personally go chew him out for you. Promise."


Her almost apologetic expression turned into a warm smile at the last part.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben hummed as he contemplated the offer. Any reservations he had about accepting were melted away when she smiled at him and he nodded.


"Yea, alright."


He didn't care for Alan but he did care for Darling, and if she was friends with this man then so be it. It wasn't something he was particularly thrilled about but he wasn't going to cause any sort of unneeded strife between them about it.They'd be out of here by tomorrow anyway so he could take the high road and just be silent about it all, after that they'd be on there way and Alan free once again.


After Darling paid for the night, they followed the owner to the room and Ben immediately dropped his pack with a sigh. He started stripping away his equipment and plopped Freckles onto the floor, letting her stretch her stiff legs. Maybe Darling was right, already he felt ten times better just getting that pack off of his back. Who knows how much better he'd feel after a shot.


Ben stretched his back and his spine crackled loudly with the motion.


"Mph, gettin' old. Might need a walker before this is all said and done."


He tossed a look over his shoulder at Darling, smirking at her, hoping to let her know that he wasn't going to be grumpy the entire evening. The bed creaked as he flopped down on it and pulled his boot off.


"You got the room so I'll get us shots, deal?"


His boot clattered to the floor and Freckles immediately jumped on it, engaging in a wrestling match with the ferocious piece of footwear.


"After that gonna go see what I can rummage up in the way of clothes around here. Don't wanna have to skin the pup to make me a new shirt."


He nudged Freckles with his now bare foot and the dog turned her battle to his toes with a yap and a growl.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

The room was on the smaller side, barely fitting the two twin sized beds, but the slowly turning fan on the ceiling kept it nice and cool. Dropping her pack on one of them Darling took a moment to roll her neck before rubbing at her shoulders. She'd need to change her bandages before the night was over, need to reorganize and regroup, take stock of what they needed to get and how much it would cost, but those worries could wait. Hat and glasses tossed aside, she reveled in the sensation of safety. The NCR had a hold here, so she had no doubt that they'd be safe, and after the bad luck they had, they needed safe.


"Shots and clothes? You'll feel spoiled if you keep that up too long. But you're right, I don't suppose Freckles would make a good shirt would she? Something tells me it wouldn't quite fit."


She giggled as Freckles attacked his foot, acting as though she were much larger than she actually was. The dog wasn't being as gentle with her leg as she had been on the first day. They'd probably have to give that a second look too while they were here.


Maybe she wouldn't head out to go eat anything with anyone. Flopping face first onto her bed, the mattress creaking and awkwardly sinking in some spots, Darling thought it very well might be too much effort to get up until morning. With some fancy foot work, she nudged at the heels of her boots with her toes and managed to kick them off one at a time.


"Do you think he'll be offended if I don't go?"


She asked the question as she turned her head just enough to catch a glimpse of Ben. Maybe she shouldn't have asked Ben of all people, but he was a guy, maybe he had some magical insight to the mind of other guys that she didn't have. It wasn't like Darling wanted to offend anyone. That was the last thing she ever wanted. What she did want, was to not leave the building until she was absolutely forced to.

 

[CortezHorse]

He chuckled at her comment; new clothes was a pretty fancy thing for him to invest in these days. Who knows, maybe next he'd be showboating around in a suit and tie. Darling's bed squeaked behind him and even without looking he knew she'd thrown herself onto it. They'd had a rough couple of days, both of them needed this rest.


Bending over, Ben scooped up Freckles and sat her on the bed as she whirled about in her tiny fury, now wrestling with the stained bed sheets. He smirked, enjoying watching the pooch have so much fun when Darling surprised him.


Do you think he'll be offended if I don't go?


The bed creaked as he turned a bit to look at her.


"Well, he seems to like ya so he probably would take offense. That don't matter though if you don't wanna go."


Ah, maybe the luck hadn't run out after all. It seemed he'd be rid of Alan sooner than expected.


"We've been through shit past couple a days so if he's any kinda friend he'll understand if you just wanna pass out."


The ideal situation was that Darling stay here, he go out and buy some clothes, get a couple of shots to bring to the room, of course all while avoiding Alan, and in the morning they leave. Ben knew very well how unusual it was that he so fiercely wanted Darling to stay away from Alan despite the fact they'd be leaving in the morning. After all, even if she did go it wasn't as if that would be the end of everything, they'd leave together and once again it would be the same. It was just the thought of someone like that trying to make moves on her, someone who didn't deserve her. Oh what, and you do? A cruel little voice called out. Ben furrowed his brow at that, biting down on the train of thoughts.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

He had a point. If she really was that tired, than any friend would understand if she just wanted a quiet evening in. Still, the fact that she hadn't seen him in two years, the fact that they had bumped into one another against all odds, it felt like he was obligated to go. Torn between the two thoughts, Darling sighed and pushed herself to sit up once more. She'd wait, she decided, until after she could reapply her bandages and then see how she felt. In all honesty, maybe she was too polite to just outright say no to someone who had once been so close to her. It wouldn't hurt anything to go, would it?


"Ben please, if you just want to keep me for yourself that's all you have to say."


Grinning at him, trying to keep the mood light and rather amused at her own words, Darling had started to unwrap her hand. Though the small holes where the Legionaries's teeth broke through her flesh were still red, her palm still stinging in protest whenever she tried to make a fist, it was looking better. A stimpak would clear it up in no time at all, but she didn't think using their resources on a small wound was a smart move.


There was no obvious sign of infection and she didn't use her left hand for much, so she figured she'd just deal with it for now.


"I'll think about it, see how I feel after you get back. Who knows, maybe Freckles and I will be dead asleep by the time you find a shirt."


Her expression warmed once more at the last bit. Though the pup did seem riled up, twisting and tangling herself on the bed sheets, her movements hindered by how unpredictable the bed could be, Darling knew she'd tire herself out in no time at all.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben please, if you just want to keep me for yourself that’s all you have to say.


Immediately he stiffened, thinking he’d been found out. Darling smiled though and continued on to un-wrap her hand, solidifying that it was just a joke. That fact caused Ben to loosen up, relaxing almost instantly. Now that he knew he was safe, his attention turned to Darling’s hand; he rose up and walked over to her, his peg leg thudding loudly on the hard floors.


I’ll think about it, see how I feel after you get back. Who knows, maybe Freckles and I will be dead asleep by the time you find a shirt.


He grunted a response as his rough fingers turned over her injured hand, inspecting it.


“Looks pretty good; I’ll go out and bring back some more medical supplies.”


Ben’s heart gave a twist at the sight of the wound, the knowledge of why it was there. He’d take care of her; she’d be all fixed up in no time. So with a gruff farewell, Ben pulled on his boot, took his caps and left to search for clothes and some first aid supplies. He’d get Darling fixed up, re-bandaged, bring back a couple of shots and both of them would be feeling better.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

By now she was accustomed to the way Ben's hand felt on her skin, how he so often touched her and moved her hand or arm in order to look at her wounds whenever she drew attention to them. At first it had left her skin crawling, the sensation lingering long after he was gone, but now, it was just something he did. Waving him off, she waited until the door was shut to attend to her other wounds.


She had never really gotten a good look at the burn marks on her side until she unbuttoned her shirt once more and removed the bandages that had originally been placed on her. There was a star burst of angry skin where the weapon had sunk in between her ribs, long lines like branches twisting out from it and lacing down her flesh. Blisters formed along the marks and Darling was struck with an odd realization that it was ugly. It shouldn't have bothered her, she knew it shouldn't have bothered her one bit, but that didn't stop the almost sickening feeling that coiled in her stomach. All her other scars were small, little marks on her knees or forearms from stupid things she had done as a kid, but this was impossible to over look, to ignore.


More than that, it was a painful reminder that she could be so easily beat, that she wasn't nearly as resilient as she liked to think.


Darling was weak.


With patience and a practiced hand, she managed to get it covered in fresh bandages and was put back together by the time she heard the door open. Freckles, hearing the noise, woke with a start and bravely hopped down from the bed, barking in excitement.

 

[CortezHorse]

Freckle's barking turned to excited yipping as Ben trudged through the door, she ran over and bounced around his feet which caused the ghoul to grin down at the pup. He was now dressed in a dark blue button up and dark green trousers, both old but better than the rags he'd had. In one hand he had a satchel with some supplies he'd gotten for them, medical, bullets; the only thing left was to get her a pistol. Ben flopped down on his bed, looked over his shoulder with a sly smirk.


“Guess what I got us.”


He then pulled out a bottle of whiskey and shook it, grinning widely.


“Helped some fella’ move some heavy boxes and he gave me a great price on this. Can have ourselves more than two shots right here.”


Ben chuckled, setting aside the bottle and pulled out the medical supplies he’d bought.


“First, lemme see that hand and, uh, how about your side? Want me to take a look at that too?”


Stimpack in hand, Ben clunked back over to Darling and sat beside her.


“Alright, where ya want it?”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Freckles circled his legs, hopping about and sniffing his new pants. When he moved to sit beside Darling, Freckles followed. Unable to make the jump on her own, though she tried, Darling leaned down and gave her a helping hand. Once on the bed, Freckles continued her inspection of Ben, making sure he really was himself. Her smile disappeared when she heard his question.


"My side is fine."


Even she knew the words were spoken a bit too quickly and Darling found herself angling that half of her away from him. She had already patched it up, there was no reason for him to see it. There was no reason for anyone to see it.


"And my hand is good, all things considered. Stings a bit, but I don't think we'll have to amputate this time."


She smiled, offering her arm for the injection. Even though she never had much of a tolerance for pain, she didn't flinch at the injection.


"But you know, I will say I'll probably have to call it quits after one drink. Any more than that and I'll be so giggly you won't even want to be around me any more, I promise."


Darling wasn't a drinker, didn't like the taste of it, but the idea of forgetting for a bit was appealing. Letting go sounded nice, even if it was for just an evening and it meant having drink something that made her throat burn.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben wasn’t great at communication, he’d been alone a large portion of his life and the other part he was supposed to be seen and not heard. Still, he caught on to Darling’s quick answer and the way she turned away from him. He furrowed his brow, his rough skin crinkling in concern as he looked at her. Something wasn’t right, was she hurt worse than she admitted? It worried him that she might be keeping something from him that could end up hurting her.


He pushed the needle into her arm, if anything the stimpack would help whatever was going on with her side and her hand. He’d have to push the subject later, find out what exactly was going on. She tried to move passed the subject by joking about what a lightweight she was and Ben smirked at her.


“Dunno if I could take an even more cheerful version of ya. C’mon, we’ll just start with one drink.”


It took him no time at all to grab the whiskey bottle and sit back down beside her.


“Was able to get whiskey but no shot glasses so, uh, hope ya don’t mind sharin’ with me.”


Cracking open the alcohol he offered first drink to Darling, smirking as Freckles craned her neck to sniff at the potent beverage.


“So, you think you’ll stay in?”

 

[Interstellar Bun]

"I think we've reached the point where drinking after one another is acceptable."


Taking the bottle, she gently shoo'd Freckles away from it. Absently, she tapped the side of the neck as she considered his question.


"As for staying in, I'm still not sure, I kind of feel obligated to go. It's been two years since he's seen me, and we'll probably never see each other again. What's one night?"


Looking at the amber liquid, seemed to mull her thoughts for a moment before tossing caution to the wind, gathering her courage and taking a swig. Her throat was on fire and Darling coughed, turning her head away as she covered her mouth with her free hand. She could feel it burning in her stomach, her eyes getting glossy. Everything felt sharp for a moment and she couldn't say there was much of a taste outside of the taste of fire.


Blinking her eyes clear, coughing once more, she returned the bottle to him.


"I feel like I just tried to swallow the sun."


Her voice was raspy with strain, but she was giggling, so that was a good sign.

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben's grin fell when she said she'd probably go out tonight with the soldier. It wasn't unreasonable, like she said it was one night and they'd never see each other again; but after she rebuffed his offer to look at the wound on her side he was more anxious than before. She could handle herself and more than likely it was unnecessary of him to worry like this but he found that he couldn't help it.


His brows shot up when she threw back the bottle and took a giant swig; impressive. Then he laughed when she coughed and rasped, her voice sounding more like a ghoul's than a smoothskins.


"Maybe there is somethin' to the folks tossin' away the glasses I drink from. You sounded just like me right then! Guess I am contagious!"


He smirked at her and took his own swig, his face scrunching up at the intense burn. It felt good though, necessary, like it was searing away all of the horrible things they'd been through in the past few days; a purge if you will. Ben shoved the bottle back to her without giving much room for argument then took his cigarettes and matches out of his pocket to light one up. Thank whatever higher power there was for his cigarettes being in his pack when the Legion took him or they'd be long gone. A deep breath drew the burning nicotine into his throat and lungs; it felt wonderful. He released the smokey breath and looked at Darling, offering her one.


"Gonna be a bad girl and try one?"

 

[Interstellar Bun]

At his comment of him being contagious, she found herself in a fit of giggles once more. She took the bottle from him and pushed her hair out of her face, watching as he lit a cigarette. She had never smoked, though she didn't mind the smell. It always smelled vaguely sweet and warm to her. Clearing her throat, she let out something of a quiet sigh, managing to gain control of her giggles. When she spoke, she sounded better.


"Ben please, you can't corrupt me before I even make it to the Strip, I'll have nothing to do when I finally get there."


Darling waved off the offer with her hand, opting to just let him indulge instead. Reaching over, she scratched behind Freckles's ear as she decided her judgement was already impaired enough to warrant another drink. Not bothering to wipe the bottle off, she downed another swig, she found it easier to swallow her coughs this time, eyes shutting as she winced. It still tasted like fire, though she had to admit it went down smoothly. If nothing else, it was leagues better than any kind of beer she had tried in the past. Darling handed the bottle back to him and wished she had a sarsaparilla to chase it down with.


Her cheeks felt warm and for no apparent reason, she giggled.


"You are a terrible influence."

 

[CortezHorse]

Ben please, you can't corrupt me before I even make it to the Strip, I'll have nothing to do when I finally get there.


He chuckled, the cigarette held firmly between his grinning lips.


"C'mon now I haven't even touched the topic of gambling, you'll have plenty of that once you get there. Although I might have to whip your tail at cards a few times and win some money from ya after you take on the town."


Taking his cigarette in one hand, he took the bottle in the other and took another stinging drink. He knew the drill, every time it got easier until it was like drinking water. When it got to that point though, that's when you were really gone. Ben could tell Darling was already starting to get giggly like she'd said, he was just now feeling the buzz that came with the two big gulps he'd had so he wouldn't be to far behind her although significantly less sunshiny.


You are a terrible influence.


He feigned hurt, gaping at her and putting on a hurt expression.


"Why, I never! I ain't been nothin' but good to you. Now here, drink some more."


Ben nudged the bottle onto her lap with a grin, knowing he was egging her on but he just couldn't help himself. They'd been through shit and they had a just to, well, have fun.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

She actually snorted, hiding her face in her hands for a moment. A terrible influence indeed.


"I like your confidence, I do, but you and I both know you wouldn't beat me at cards unless I let you."


He had more practice on his end, but Darling had strategy. While she would occasionally lose, she usually ended up winning at the end of it. It was luck, determination, and the fact that she could count cards a little too well when she was sober. If he tried to take her on at cards now, well, she'd probably lose within the first minute and not mind one bit and just keep playing.


Looking at the bottle, for a moment, considered just handing it back. The pain in her hand when she grabbed it, however, stopped her. The memory made her take another drink. Then one more.


Wiping her lips on the pad of her thumb, she handed it back to him, feeling her worries melt away. Her mind was starting to feel pleasantly fuzzy.


Was she supposed to do something tonight?





"You know, I get the feelin' that I should stop while I still have the mind ta do so." Giggles painted her words as she handed the bottle back. "That's the last one for me, dear."

 

[CortezHorse]

A disbelieving snort escaped Ben when she said that he couldn't beat her at cards; obviously he didn't believe her.


"Pffft!"


It was a ridiculous sound on it's own but coming from Ben made the noise multiply in hilarity.


"I can beat you any day of the week Miss Priss!"


He all but snatched the bottle from her, a challenge in his eyes as he tossed back another slug of whiskey.


"Ok, ok, how about this. We play cards and for every hand someone loses, they have to drink. No money, play for drinks."


His cigarette was back to his lips as he took another drag before continuing, the smoke trailing out with his words.


"Or are you too scaaaared."


The word was drawn out, a veritable line in the sand for her to cross. Oh yes, the game was on.

 

[Interstellar Bun]

Darling was more than ready to wave off his idea to play cards, to just laugh at him until he said those last handful of words. She never liked to think of herself as being easy to manipulate, of being the sort to fall to the words of others, and yet, she found she couldn't turn down the challenge. Darling could never turn down a challenge even if she tried and, half intoxicated, there was really no trying.


So, she scoffed.


"Scared? Me? Come on Ben who do you think you're talkin' to?"


She propped her heels on the bed frame and rested her elbows on her knees, chin cradled in her hands. Swaying a little, looking far too amused, she giggled at him. He really was a funny person.


Maybe drinking wasn't so bad, she couldn't remember why she didn't do this more often.


"But fine, if you really wanna feel the shame of losin' to someone like me, a Miss Priss, then get some cards out and we'll have a go at it."