» Sun May 01, 2011 11:58 pm
-10-
Something I have to tell you
---
Weeks passed; then months. The memories of Vault 101 grew more distant for Amata and Steven. They became known as defenders of justice across the wasteland:from fixing the antenna of Galaxy News to rescuing Reilly's rangers, they became known as the Saints of 101. Steven and Amata had both ditched those old jumpsuits, and found their own gear in mercenary outfits. During this time, Amata felt her thoughts about Steven become increasingly frequent. Steven felt the same thing about her. They were both best friends; they had been since they were babies. Yet, tension mounted between them.
Amata was the first to bring it up. They were in the Megaton house, relaxing. Steven was repairing his droid when she spoke up.
"Steven..there's something I have to tell you."
"What is it, Amata?" said Steven, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
"I'm been thinking about you a lot these past few months. You've been a great friend, and I know that you and I have made the wasteland a better place. But I think it's time to talk about this."
"Talk about what, Amata?"
"I've been thinking about you when I don't want to. Looking at you when I don't need to. I'm even starting to have dreams about you...you've been my friend for so long...but...I think there's something between us. Something more. I want to know..do you feel the same way about me?"
Steven, who was never much for words, let them pour out of his mouth. "Amata, i've felt this way for a long time now too. I just never had the courage to tell you. While we've been out in the wasteland, i've seen a lot of things i've never seen in you before-I just keep thinking about how beautiful you are, and how..."
Amata moved closer to him. "Drop dead gorgeous you are?"
Steven looked slightly embarassed. "Well, I just always thought that you were my friend, and that I never really had a chance with you.."
Amata was standing right in front of him now. She put her hand on his face. "I love you Steven. And I know you love me."
Steven stared at her for the longest time. Then, he put his arms around her back, and embraced her. "Yes I do, Amata. With all my heart.."
"I knew you did." Amata responded, her face now just inches away from his. "Now shut up and kiss me."
And then, right there, to them, everything faded away. It was as if everything else in the wasteland seized to exist, as if nothing but them holding one another, embracing each other, kissing each other, existed. It seemed like an eternity when their lips finally parted.
"I'm so sorry, Amata." Steven said. "Sorry I never told you...."
"So am I Steven." She said, her voice fading. "So am I..."
They went up to his bed, together. "Amata, I don't think we should..."
"We don't have to, Steven; just to be with you is all that matters."
So, they switched into their night clothing, and just lay there, together. With makeshift pre-war blankets and pillows, he held her there while they drifted off into sleep.
Steven realized he was happier now than he had been in his entire life.
---
Morning didn't come late enough.
Amata yawned, and put her hands of Steven's chest. "Good morning, Steven...lover..."
Steven smiled. "I should've told you a long time ago, Amata..." he trailed off. "Listen, Amata, there's something I have to get off my chest. Spare a moment?"
"Anything for you."
"It's been months since we left the Vault. And all this time, i've been wondering what happened to Dad; why he would leave. Amata..I want to look for him."
"It has been something that i've been wondering about. Maybe we should find out what happened to him."
"I know we should. And there's no one else i'd like to look for him with than the woman I love."
She giggled. "You really know what to say to a girl, don't you?" She kissed him. "We've made some friends around the wasteland. Maybe we should get some info from old Three dog; you never did ask him."
"Maybe we should. He might know something."
"Well then," she said, getting out of bed, "let's go look for your dad."