Fandom »VAULT 76« IC

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

Saige's eyes left the metal floor as she heard footsteps, her immediate reaction to place her hand on the pistol that rested against her hip. Her hand slid down and a grin appeared on her face. It had been a good week since she had seen Terry and damn, did she miss him. Her blue eyes lit up as quickened her pace and walked toward him.


"Vinn!"


Her arms slung themselves around his neck as she jumped up to hug him. It was a stretch, but she managed to make it work. He smelled like the candles from chapel and she chuckled. It was strange to think he was chaplain. He had never really been super religious - none of them really had. And somehow he managed to make it as the preacher.


"So, Terry, how's the whole messenger-of-God thing working for you?" she asked as she pulled away.

 

[kaito9049]

Terry grunted as his breath was squeezed out of him by the girl. Well, some things never changed. As glad as was to see his friend again, he couldn't help but feel that now-familiar sense of hollowness, as if something was missing from the whole situation. Once Saige had allowed him to regain his breathing, Terry responded warmly:


"It...it's a different sort of stress," he admitted. "But that was going to happen no matter what job I got. Really, it's one of the best outcomes I could have hoped for. I get paid well, I can sit in dark rooms and no one will bother me...oh, and I've found out that people become very generous when they find out you're a minister, as long as you don't tell them that they actually have to do anything. God forbid they change their behavior." Terry chuckled at his little cynical rant. It was easier to be honest around Saige, possibly because she was so blunt herself. "How about you?" he asked, nodding to the sidearm at the young woman's hip. "I hope I'm not in trouble."

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

"Definitely not, chaplain."


Saige's smile traveled up from her mouth to her eyes. It had been a long time since they had just talked like this. She supposed it had something to do with her and Richie but she didn't ask and Terry didn't say anything. Honestly, she'd really just rather leave it alone.


"And things have been..." Her teeth grazed her bottom lip as she spoke, she wasn't quite sure how to put it. Things had been good, she supposed. Just...not always. Richie wasn't around a lot, what with the tattooing and everything, but when he was, there was a lot of drinking. Sure, a year ago, she had done it too but ever since she had begun training, she quit. It wasn't required but she felt like she needed to, to discipline herself.


"Things are good for the most part." That was the easiest way to put it. It wasn't like Richie got rough when he drank, and even if he did she knew she could take him. He just acted different. Less like the guy she had fallen for a year ago.


@kaito9049

 

[kaito9049]

Terry had become fairly good at telling when people were lying. The flickering of the eyes, chewing of the lips, scratches, fidgeting...it was surprising how many people could lie to a man of the cloth. He was fairly sure that he could charm Saige into giving a little more information, and if it was anyone else in the world, he probably would, but the thought of doing so felt...wrong. The chaplain knew that if Saige wanted to tell him about whatever was going on, she would. He just had to give her to opportunity. That way, it would be her giving up her troubles, instead of Terry prying them from her.


The young man had a small inkling that, whatever was up, it had something to do with Richard. Just thinking about that smug idiot's face made Terry dig his nails into the calloused palms of his hand. Terry wasn't the most emotional of people, but for whatever reason, the thought of the other boy made his blood boil. In his eyes, Richard was a bad egg that, at best, would never hatch. Even a year earlier, he had always seemed...unstable. But perhaps his most serious crime, and one of the only reasons Terry wasn't taking more direct action against him, was the fact that he was dating Saige.


Thinking over his next words carefully, Terry said, with as much tenderness as he could muster, "You know, you can always talk to me, Saige. I'd really like for us to keep in touch. If anything is bothering you..."

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

"No, no. It's fine. Really."


She shook it off easily, she had always been very private with the way she felt. She tended to hide behind walls of sarcasm and sass, never really making anything too personal. She knew, of course, she could tell Terry anything, but she didn't know what she would tell him.


That she wasn't entirely happy with Richie? That she felt like something was missing? That she felt better when Terry was around? She couldn't say those things. Any of those could jeopardize her relationship with Richie, and while she didn't know if she fully felt the same way he did, she knew she didn't want to lose him completely.


"Honestly, it's not a big deal. It's all in God's hands, anyway, right?"

 

[kaito9049]

Terry didn't let the frown reach his face. Saige could be as secretive as he at times. Perhaps it was one of the reasons he sympathized with her; she hid behind a brash personality, while he kept his anxiety bottled up under a cover of privacy.


But another, more troublesome, thought haunted the crevices of Terry's mind. Did he truly care about Saige's well-being, or was he simply toying with her emotions like a soulless puppet master? He wanted to believe that he was simply trying to get the information to help his friend, but there was always a small voice in his skull that said otherwise. It was the nip at his conscience that bothered him daily...but he had learned to push it away. At least for a while.


Terry smiled encouragingly. "True, but as a servant of the Lord, I would be more than willing to help you carry your burden. 'As iron sharpens iron', no?"

 

[Supabad.45]

*Richie clutched his bag tight in his fist and slung it over his shoulder. When the the tattoo shops automatic door descended closed, he started down a main corridor, wondering if Saige was in the main atrium. It's been a slightly... difficult two weeks, Richie and Saige hasn't seen each other too often. Her work and his work not at all intertwined with each other, she also didn't like his Absinthe habit. He told himself, 'I don't do it THAT much....' but even he could confess his mood swings and bad attitude. Maybe all that will change after today, he smiled to himself cheerfully. After a few corners he happen to stumble across Saige and the narcissist priest boy, Richie gulped to see the smiling Saige and Terry conversing with each other... his sense tell him it's about him, they're talking about him? 'No RIchie, don't be so humble into thinking everybody is out to get you'. No damn it, i know it! He started toward them slightly steamed, having his back upright and one of his fists clinched. Approaching Saige, he swung his head to her cheek and lightly kissed it.*


"Hey sweetie, how was your evening? Anything worthwhile?"


*He looked up at Terry. Flames ignited in his veins and a series of quick breaths made Richie feel almost insecure. Richie brushed off his robe and chuckled, adjusting the glasses on his face.*


"And... priest boy... has the Overseer responded to any of your prayers? or god for that matter? Can he hear you pleas over these thick steel walls?"

 

[Starfleet]

Benjamin was off today. The Overseer seemed to not have many problems he needed help with, so Petresko asked if he could just wander for a while. Overseer gave him the okay. While walking into the atrium, he bumped into someone. He didn't recognize the person immediately, only knew that they were of about the same age. "Sorry," Ben said, looking at the person.


@Riven

 

[Riven]

With a grunt, Shane dropped some of his tools, kneeling over to pick them back up. "Sorry about that", he replied with a sigh, reaching to grab a notepad and screwdriver. Being a Pip-Boy Programmer was a job that was usually busy, and being one, Shane has found it has problems with his lifestyle. With a sigh he takes a look at his own Pipboy, checking the time. "It seems I haven't met you before, I'm Shane", he replied with a soft smile, holding out his hand after putting his items away.


@Starfleet

 

[kaito9049]

Seeing as how you haven't been struck by lightning, He must not have heard my prayers, Terry was tempted to say as he stared into the face of the other boy. It seemed that Richard's relationship with Saige, combined with his job, had given him a sense of superiority. Wholly misplaced, in Terry's opinion; a tattoo parlor was a rather distasteful establishment, and did little to serve the community. He was little surprised how content Richard was with his role. Even Terry had to admit that he had talent, but it would seem that it had been wasted. What a shame.


"The simple fact that I am still alive right now is reason enough for me to believe that my prayers are being answered," Terry said, keeping any trace of contempt out of his voice, if only for Saige's benefit. "Though it is written that God does not answer the prayers of the wicked. You are always welcome at chapel, of course. No doubt your grueling work must be rough on your soul."

 

[Starfleet]

"I'm sorry about bumping into you," Ben apologized. He took and shook Shane's hand. "I'm Ben Petrovsky. From your tools I'm going to guess you're an engineer of sorts?" he said, accidentally quiet. Ben was quite astonished by engineers of any form. He would guess, probably correctly, that Shane might not have been an engineer with passion. There's the word again, passion. Petrovsky would wonder if a good engineer needs good passion, or if it was all in the know-how.


@Riven

 

[Riven]

"No, no problem at all", Shane replied with a nod. He stuck his things in and checked at the other male's arm, taking a look at his Pipboy. When he told his name was Ben and asked if Shane was an engineer, Shane nodded. "Yeah, I'm a Pipboy programmer, I tinker sometimes with the Pipboys other than program, but its just a personal thing", Shane replied with a smirk, flipping his pencil before pointing his pencil's tip at Ben's own Pipboy, "Speaking of which, has yours been programmed yet?"


@Starfleet

 

[Starfleet]

Petresko thought for a few seconds. "Has there been an update to the thingy-thing?" he asked. Benjamin believed his Pop-Boy was programmed. No one has tinkered with it for a while though.

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

Saige smile fell a little bit as she felt the sharp tug of Richie's calloused hands pull her cheek to his lips. She smiled though and chuckled, "It's been good. I just happened to run into Terry while I was making my last rounds." She bit the inside of her cheek as he mocked Terry. It wasn't right. She knew the other boy could handle himself though so she didn't say anything at the moment. It was frustrating to see them fighting though. They had always kind of been that way, but ever since her and Richie had started going out, it had gotten progressively worse.


It was obvious they didn't like each other, but that didn't mean she was just going to give up on them. They were the two most important people in her life and they needed to learn to at the very least co-exist in peace.


"Now, girls, you're both pretty. No more arguing okay?" Saige narrowed her eyes threateningly. "Or snide comments."


Saige didn't exactly love Richie's job, there were shady characters that walked in that tattoo parlor. She herself certainly would never go in there willingly. It was unsanitary and generally ridiculous. She didn't think it was necessary to have a permanent reminder of something. She knew there was no way around it though, and Richie did enjoy it. If he was happy, she could find it in herself to be happy.

 

[Supabad.45]

*Richie tensed up at Terry's crude remark, but although, for the time being he would act civil for Saige's sake. He did indeed feel her being distant, little did she know it terrified him to lose her. He was aware of this change and maybe it did change him, but he strongly felt the urge to be something more then a mere artist and drinker. He wanted so much more... maybe when he gets Saige alone he and her will have a heart to heart about it. Do something nice for her for a change, the thought alone made him forget he was in the middle of the two. Richie backed up with his hands in the air*


"No ma'am, no trouble here.*


*He kissed Saige's forehead gently and flashed a glare at Terry. A glare he was sure to notice.*


"I'll... definitely see you later sweetheart, please, come down to the place later on after work. I'll try not to keep you too long.."

 

[kaito9049]

This was getting a little unbearable to watch. Terry was fairly certain that if it came down to a fistfight, he could wring Richard's tattooist neck twice over...but such was a more brutal tactic than he was comfortable resorting to, at least for now. He had sometimes toyed with the idea of finding a way to...remove Richard as a variable. Perhaps transfer him to a more intensive job, or maybe a more permanent option. It was always just a fantasy, of course; though even Terry wasn't completely sure whether it was his morals that held him back, or the effect such a change would have on Saige.


Glaring right back at Richard, Terry casually checked his Pip-Boy. "I wouldn't want to keep you away from your task, Saige," he said kindly, effortlessly switching into a smile. "After all, you're the one keeping us all safe. A vital role...unlike some others. Please, feel free to visit whenever you have the time. It seems like my parents and I hardly get to see you any more."

 

[Supabad.45]

*Richie's face drops. That hit a nerve or few. His head fell slightly and he sighed, cursing slightly under his breath. He didn't look back at Terry, instead he turned in the opposite direction and walked down the hallway. He made an immediate left turn and started toward the storage closet that Saige took him before. Not once glancing at the roaring walls and the occasional passerby. Richie slid inside and stared at himself in the mirror. The voices, which grew ever since he been on the Absinthe, made him feel rather paranoid and such, but even then. He could feel others energy so well. He could know whether or not you're afraid or even if you're lying. Well -- assuming these are just social science observations. The glass panel shattered as Richie's fist slammed through it. Small gushes of crimson squirted from his fist. He sighed, 'Damn it...'. The wall screeched as he slid down to a fetal position. Casually sipping his flask.*


"It'll all work out..."

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

Saige's smile by now had completely disappeared. This was what she hated the most. The arguing. You know, it wouldn't be so bad if they just fist fought or something but the constantly back and forth was awful. They didn't realize that they were the only ones bothered. It was incredibly stressful for herself as well.


As Richie stormed away, she sighed. She closed her eyes and ran a hand through her hair. She struggled to understand how he could go from one mood to the next in such a snap second. Her hands slipped into her pockets as she opened her eyes and stared up at Terry.


"Why? Why do y'all have to do that all the time? Can't you just for once be civil around each other?"


Her tone was even and level, she wasn't really angry. She was just tired of it. Ever since they were young, it had been like this and now she was at her breaking point. She wasn't sure how much longer she could take it.

 

[Riven]

"Let me see, one moment Petresko..", Shane replied as he held up his Pipboy and began flipping through a few switches. If the older "braniacs" at the department had put in some updates, Shane's Pip would've been updated without him being aware of. Sure enough, there was an update snaked into his Pipboy. "The older guys don't tell me anything..", replied Shane with a sigh as he put his Pipboy back to stand by. Shane was planning to issue out a few prototype updates before the older and more experienced workers had already raced him to put out some fixes. Shane sighed, deciding to update some Pips before asking a few individuals to try out his new prototypes for bug fixes.


Shane put his arm back down as he looked back up at Petresko, "Alright, there's an update out to fix some issues with the Pip, but it's not mandatory, it's up to you if you want to get it installed."


@Starfleet

 

[kaito9049]

You of all people should know why, Terry wanted to say. Luckily, he had been used to holding his tongue whens addressing certain people. But it still surprised him how upset Saige was getting. Did she really not understand the reasons behind the two boys' feud? Or, at the very least, the main reason? Terry glanced at the young woman, before looking away. It was difficult to meet her gaze.


Maybe if he had been more honest with his emotions a year earlier...would he still be as bitter with Richard? Or would their places simply be switched? If the other boy had one advantage over Terry, it was that he often wore his heart on his sleeve; he himself could never manage that. Perhaps that sort of sentimental attitude was what Saige needed.


And yet, Terry couldn't help but see Richard as a major source of needless stress and anger. His natural intelligence set him far above Terry's hard work, no matter how much he pushed himself. And yet, instead of using that talent to better himself or the community, he seemed satisfied with his lowly role. Why should Terry struggle for so long, and yet be disappointed time and time again?


Terry looked down at his hand. If his skin was any less tough, his fingernails would have likely drawn blood. He turned back to face Saige again. "I don't know why Richard hates me," he told her. It was only half-true. Could the other boy's anger come only from his zeal for Saige? It seemed doubtful. "But...I am sorry; some people will just disappoint you," Tery finished.

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

"I don't think he hates you," Saige managed to mumble. She wasn't entirely sure why they acted the way they did, but she had some idea. Even then, it was completely ridiculous in her eyes. Why would anyone ever fight over her, of all people?


Saige had never seen herself as something special. She was less than average, if anything. She worked hard though and maybe her grit made up for her lack of natural talent. She wasn't incredibly attractive, and didn't try hard to be. Her self-esteem issues probably had something to do with her mother's death and her father's absence. She didn't dwell too much on it.


"I think he's just overprotective." Her hands fumbled out of her pockets and found their way to his. She clasped them in her right grip and gave a sad smile, "And if it's any consolation, I certainly don't hate you." She rose up on her toes and kissed his cheek. She bit her lip and sighed before putting her cheerful face back on. She couldn't let herself be real for very long. It was taxing on her emotionally.


"So, do you have any plans tonight? If not, I was thinking we could maybe go down to the storage room and hang out. Maybe shoot some bottles."

 

[kaito9049]

Terry fought to keep the blush from reaching his face as he felt Saige's soft lips touch his cheek. The girl had always been a little flirty, but it was becoming difficult to ascertain with whom her true affections laid. Perhaps she was a better at manipulation than he, though he doubted that her intentions were malicious. In all probability, she was simply a girl who was seeking to maintain relationships from her childhood. Not an easy thing to do, especially while being locked in a vault. "Perhaps he doesn't," the young man admitted. "But you know how...well I usually deal with people. Richard has always been the exception. I'd love to get along well with him, but it's never seen possible."


Truths mixed with half-truths. The most effective sort of diplomacy. He wasn't really sure if he wanted to try and reconnect with Richard, even if the other boy was willing to give an attempt. Besides, he had a hard time believing that Richie was simply "overprotective". Sure, that was likely one part of the equation, but the anger seemed more personal than that.


Terry was a little surprised at Saige's proposition. Richard would never approve of such a social meeting, right? A more devious thought crossed Terry's mind. Perhaps he didn't have to know? Interestingly crafty for Saige, if it was indeed what she was thinking. The young man decided to go along with it. What could it hurt? "Well, not many people come to chapel at night," he replied. "Probably because the evening is when most of them get their sinning done. So I'd be glad to join you." Terry offered a thin grin at Saige.

 

[Xx-Katherine-xX]

Saige grinned, "Sounds like a...plan." She had almost said 'date.' That wasn't what this was though. It was a casual meetup between two friends who hadn't hung out in a little while. At least that's what she told herself.


She couldn't say that she was over her feelings for Terry. Because, well, she wasn't. She found herself struggling to make sure that she really did feel the same way Richie did, but more often she was doubting her feelings. It wasn't that she didn't feel that way about Richie, but it was becoming harder to feel that way. He worked later and later and more frequently. When he was around, he was usually drinking. Or already drunk. And while, yes, he was her friend and she wanted to be there for him, she didn't know if she wanted to be his girlfriend anymore. So, she'd distract herself as best as she could with the best, the only, person she could think of.


Her hands slid from his hands back into her pockets. "I'll finish my rounds then. See you after?"

 

[kaito9049]

"I'll see you then," Terry confirmed. He was a little excited to get in touch with Saige again. And for someone who had to fake excitement for a great deal of things, this was a bit surprising. There were very few things that Terry could get emotional over, but Saige was definitely one of them. Perhaps it was manifest destiny: this meeting, the small cracks in the girl's demeanor...but then again, such a thought could be considered blasphemous, so Terry quickly squelched it. For the time being. In the mean time, he had a few things to plan. "Keep safe, Saige," he told the young woman before departing with a slightly straighter posture than that which he had come.


Terry rubbed his knuckles, cracked and calloused. His workload hadn't gotten any easier since his ordination, so he hadn't been lax in his boxing practice either. Slightly strange for a chaplain, to be sure, but as much as prayer could solve problems, sometimes a guy just needed to punch a bag.

 

[Supabad.45]

*Richie violently stumbled in the chapel onto the steel floor. He gasped loudly and fell to his knees, his sweating body glistening under the lights above. It was lucky he entered the church empty, to save the startle he could've caused. Groaning as he rose; his hand jerked some flours from their pot and he practically inhaled them. As he did, he looked up at the alter and grumbled under his breath,*


"What have -- have you ever done for me?"


*The flowers floated onto the floor and he kicked a row of chairs angrily. His veins popping out his neck, his jumpsuit hanging from around his waist loosely, he began to sob softly. The chairs toppled over across the floor with shattering thuds. Slowly, he backed up into a confession booth where he began to get his bearings. Gurgling and sliding his hands along the walls*