
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/13579674.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Fallout_(Video_Games), Fallout_3
  Relationship:
      OC/OC, Lone_Wanderer/Original_Male_Character(s)
  Character:
      James_(Fallout), Dogmeat_(Fallout), Original_Female_Character(s),
      Original_Male_Character(s), Female_Lone_Wanderer, Moira_Brown, Doc
      Church, Colin_Moriarty, Lucas_Simms, Wadsworth_(Fallout), Amata
      Almodovar, Miscellaneous_Fallout_3_Cast_upon_story_progression, Butch
      DeLoria, Alphonse_Almodovar
  Additional Tags:
      Slow_Burn, Slow_Build, Explicit_Sexual_Content, Obsession, Canon-Typical
      Violence
  Stats:
      Published: 2018-02-06 Updated: 2018-03-27 Chapters: 13/? Words: 44645
****** Not so lonely Lone Wanderer ******
by Mskitten85
Summary
     In 2077 the world fell apart, raining death, destruction and the near
     collapse of humanity as we know it. Vault-Tec and it's signature
     product seemed like the only hope and in some ways it was. In some
     ways, the cold metallic cruelty within it's walls was more than
     anyone should have to bear. Two from the outside found a home there
     until circumstances separated Father and daughter and started a
     waterfall of consequences that would change Arianna and her protector
     forever.
***** In the Beginning *****
Even for a scientific mind, grief cripples in mind numbing waves. Arianna
wiggled a bit in a too tight grip as James gave the lab one last look around
and tried to fathom the why behind his world falling in flaming disarray around
them. It was late, the room empty and the whirr of machines echoed in an odd
rhythm along with the pings of metal on metal and lapping of the Potomac at the
bow of the old ship. An eerie quiet after the rattle of gunfire and shouts as
super mutants from the nest a half a click up made another run at the old essex
class carrier. While the tub and it’s security repelled the attempted invasion,
it just hit home how unsafe the wasteland was, even if riveted steel stood
between it and the pair of them. Time to leave what was left of the old Naval
Yard and head for the closest place of safety he could think of.
Vault 101 was near Springvale, an outlying suburb of old D.C. and no small
journey to undertake, especially with an infant whose lifespan in weeks could
be counted on one hand. It took a bit of juggling but James managed to get the
pack with a few supplies over both shoulders with as little jarring of his baby
girl as possible. Settling back down as her father nestled her inside the
leather armor on his chest, Ari didn’t last long and drifted off with the thump
of his heart as the sweetest lullaby. From the upper hallway Dr. Li’s voice
floated down and James quickly slipped out the lower bulkhead door before she
entered the lab, unwilling to have yet another confrontation, another argument
about the project and his desertion but with Catherine’s death, nothing
mattered save the baby. Stroking the downy head one more time before heading
across the metal bridge, James headed out on his quest with nary a look back,
cutting towards the memorial to meet Cross.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun began to disappear on the western horizon, elongating shadows and
stealing the weak warmth of the sun like a thief. Arianna whined and moved
restlessly, tired of the close prison and very possibly the stench of her
father’s unwashed body after days on the road. Hadn’t been easy for them, the
threesome dodging raiders and mutated wildlife with increasing frequency as the
Doc took shortcuts to lessen time and the meager supplies which were quickly
diminishing with a hungry infant bundled up under thick leather. Megaton loomed
on the horizon and James broke into a trot, the movement rocking the baby quiet
for a bit and shaving a few more minutes off his arrival time with the Paladin
keeping time despite the hefty armor.
Officer Weld stood just outside the main doors, cold starlight reflecting off
the few reflective surfaces left among the grimy exterior, his dome light dim
with the same film of wasteland dirt. “Welcome to Megaton. The bomb is
perfectly safe. We promise” The platitude delivered in a tinny whine as the
clunky protectron sidled to the left and opened the gate, rattle echoing down
the hillside and cracked remains of a lost highway that James jogged up on
approach.
“James, a moment.” Star Cross stowed her weapon and with a snap and a hiss the
helmet slid from her head, revealing close cropped hair and ebony skin. A smile
flashed white teeth when she spoke again. “I have upheld my duty to Elder Lyons
and to you. A return to the Citadel is in order. “
The Doc laughed, his own smile rare enough and dimmer than the woman remembered
it. “Come on Star, you know traveling at night is twice as dangerous, even for
a Brotherhood Paladin. I’ll find lodgings and you can rest until the sun
rises.” Not taking no for an answer, he turned on his heel as the reluctant
Paladin dogged his heels. Didn’t take much to find Simms, then find Moriarty’s
for a room for the night. A shower while the Brotherhood cyborg watched Arianna
and a meal later, the three settled down with James and his daughter sleeping
heavy due to exhaustion while Cross kept watch, dark eyes keen and unblinking
while the noise from the bar downstairs failed to make either of her companions
stir.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The farewell between old comrades held elements of both sadness and a hope that
this step was the right one. Cross knew her friend in arms grieved deeply but
losing him and the project doomed the small sliver of promise inherent in what
humanity would have gained had things not gone sideways so late in the game.
The cyborg gave James an awkward hug and stepped back, gazing without rancor
into the face of a man who’d become a close friend during her assignment to the
purifier. “I wish you luck James. I know this decision was difficult but you
must do what is best for both of you.” Her faint smile spoke to the honesty of
her words. “I think perhaps I will see you again. Though”
James nodded and clapped a hand on her shoulder, Arianna snoozing in the crook
of her father’s other arm. “Perhaps. Steel be with you old friend.” He watched
as the gleaming power armor faded into the dusty morning before tucking his
daughter away safely against his chest and heading towards Springvale and the
vault entrance.
A few hours perhaps and the ruins of once thriving Springvale came into view.
Shells of houses like grave markers dotted the landscape, the school basically
all that really had any substance but a raider faction had taken up residence
so he took care to skirt that section of town on his way up the hill. An eyebot
hummed along the main street, Enclave rhetoric in President Eden’s voice making
James wince but he kept moving, the machine more propaganda then threatening.
The gate to Vault 101 came into view, a decrepit door that hung at an angle in
a rotting frame, the only hint at its use being oiled hinges and a hodgepodge
of footprints going in each direction. So it was true, the doors had been
opened more than once. Boded well for his mission here so James yanked on the
handle and entered the dimness of the tunnel behind it.
Menacing, dank with a faint smell of decomposition, the farther down James
went, the more evidence of the past became noticeable. Bones bleached with age
littered the floor amongst the dust and rubble, human and animal mixed in with
trash and protest signs that probably dated back to the bombs dropping in 2077.
Averting his eyes, James pressed the intercom at the entrance control panel and
waited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James watched as his daughter entered the cafeteria, astonishment lit up pert
features and tawny eyes as ‘surprise’ bounced off the walls. Grinning in his
direction, she moved into the small gathering with unusual confidence, in that
moment so much like his Catherine it hurt his soul. Her mother’s daughter,
intellect surpassing her peers and many adults in their provisional home
already with no signs of stopping, not a day went past that he didn’t see his
lost love in the curve of a cheekbone or the flash of irritation when denied
her own way. Not once did he regret the move to the vault, not when looking at
what the pair of them had created in the slight person even now the center of
attention.
Meanwhile, Arianna basked in the small gathering, watching with rounded eyes as
Stanley clipped the heavy Pipboy to her left wrist. “Stanley, wow this is so
cool.” Didn’t take a minute for her deft fingers to start exploring the
internal workings, cataloging and marking certain functions for later analysis
and only looking up when he settled a baseball cap on her head. “You’re welcome
kid. And this is for our star pitcher.” A nod and he sat back down on the
barstool, leaning back as Andy hovered past with cake in two of his three arms,
bobbled it a bit before it hit the counter with a thump.
Wally, Butch, Freddie, some of the older vault residents and of course Amata
and her father were lingering in boothes and at tables, chatter inane and
polite as the small girl made rounds with a notably adult aplomb. Accepting
gifts with an engaging smile and impeccable manners, everything was going well
until Andy massacred the cake and Butch pulled the usual bully intimidation
tact of threats. Arianna retaliated with words first, punch to his fat nose
next. Other than his friends angry protests, the only censure came from the
Overseer and she knew what his thoughts were from experience. Doc’s brat was
starting shit again. The man hated her and Amata’s closeness and seemed to
resent her father. Ari was shrugging it off when her dad approached.
“Sweetheart, I have another gift for you. Head down to the reactor and meet
Jonas. I’ll meet you down there.” A little shove sent her reluctant feet
towards the lower levels, glancing back over a shoulder with a frown furrowing
her brow but her steps carried her through a number of doors till she makes it
down to the reactor level. Jonas waited by one of the hatch doors, grin
widening as Arianna approached and proudly showed off her new stuff.
“Hey Jonas, isn’t this great? I’m almost all grown up now.” Her eyes scanned
the corners and shadows and the absence of her father began to dawn on her.
Jonas chuckled. “You sure are! Pip-Boy and everything, look at that! If you can
wait just one more minute, I think your dad will want to give you the surprise
himself.” A pause as footsteps from another staircase brought both heads
around. “And here he is.”
“Dad!” Ari clapped her hands and looked him over expectantly, not missing the
hands behind his back. “What do you have for me now?”
Dark eyes widened even further as her father revealed what lay hidden, a BB gun
and a can of ammo, setting it in her hands with a laugh. “Now that you’re all
grown up it’s time for us to start working on your skills. Go ahead and take a
few shots.” Down at the end of the room targets were set up and it didn’t take
the diminutive child long to figure out the workings of the simple firearm. A
rachet or two and without hesitation she started firing, the clang and spin of
the metal discs loud in the long room. Turning with a smirk, Ari opened her
mouth to speak when a chittering echoed from the left when another door led
down to the maintenance tunnels.
“Radroach...Arianna hand me the gun.” Jonas reached out but James forestalled
him.
“No. She has to learn to take care of herself.” Laying a firm hand on her back,
James gave his daughter a push. “Take the shot Arianna.”
The pair shared a prolonged glance before she gave a nod and did as told,
making the insect jerk and splatter along a stack of crates. James laughed and
picked her up, spinning them around till even Jonas cracked a smile despite the
lingering edge of discomfort in his gaze. “She’ll be on radroach duty before
you know it at this rate.”
Palming a camera over to his friend, the Doc pulled Arianna around and into a
one armed side hug. “Take a picture Jonas, I want her to remember this.” The
flash blinded her for a second but the smile dazzled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Out in the sterile corridor, Arianna, Raina to her friends, drug her feet in a
proverbial sense. Damn the man he never missed a thing. Not like this test
meant jack, it wasn’t a pass or fail kinda concern, it was the pointlessness of
it all. Out of the three hundred or so residents in the vault, her proper place
among them seemed obvious as the nose on her face. Why a test had anything to
do with her aptitude for certain tasks just made no sense. Full lips curled in
a impish smile. Hell, since eleven she’d been hacking files and digging around
electronic innards as well as learning the intricacies of human ones from her
father. He’d managed to light a fire in her, a passion for new and more daring
escapades that just wouldn’t die down.
Passing John, one of the other youngsters in the same age bracket, Raina
flashed a breezy smile and headed up to the classroom level. Get it over with
and then the day was hers, busy brain already making plans.
***** The G.O.A.T *****
Boredom. One word summed up life in the cold sterile world of steel they
inhabited. Two men in blue reflected off shaded windows as the pair made rounds
for what seemed the hundredth time, same view, same lack of stimulus or
activity. An endless parade of day to day that made even radroach duty seem
pleasant. Chris had spent childhood here, playing in endless steel corridors
and wondering what lay beyond the vault door. Adulthood hadn't brought many
answers and the ones that had been revealed left him restless and searching.
Security detail had been a no brainer, Overseer looking for the biggest and
baddest of the males and as a teen the brazen male saw it as the only escape
from monotony available. He’d been partially correct, small pockets of tumult
in a tiresome parade of routine. Just like today. Closed environment, nothing
new making it's way into the dull grind save the machinations of a few females
that at least kept the ennui away. Still, he had hope that another foray into
the wasteland was on the Overseer’s books soon, Chris feeling stagnation like a
disease creeping in.
A nudge from Hunter brought him back to the present, gaze swinging first to his
friend then down the corridor indicated by a jerk of a chin. What was slowly
unfolding there brought a raised eyebrow and a smirk. Chris answered with a nod
and the pair began to slowly walk towards the growing ruckus with hands resting
on the batons at their waist.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arianna was pissed. No other way to put it and it showed in the line of tension
that brought her up to her full though puny height of a whole two inches above
five feet. She’d seen Butch and his lowlife crew giving Amata hell as soon as
she turned the corner by the classroom hall. Her guess, it was more lust
unrequited than actual anger at her friend but still, no excuses for it and as
usual, Arianna rushed ahead without a single thought other than aid. Hell all
that was waiting was that damned GOAT and her attempts at pulling a fast one
had been caught and quashed.
So, heedless of the odds, she'd given Butch a shove from behind and sneered in
a perfect copy of his own tone. "God Butch, stop acting like an asshole."
Sidling up to Amata's side, brown eyes the color of warm chocolate stared up at
the bigger teen as her feet planted, offset and shoulder width apart. Arms
still relaxed at the side but there was a stillness there, watchful, predatory
and completely calm.
Butch glared back. "Mind your own Arianna, this is between me and Amata."
Shifting gaze back to the darker of the pair, he grabbed her arm a second time.
"You're uppity as hell. Overseer's daughter with all the privileges." Amata
tried to jerk free, face set in panicked lines as the grip just wouldn't break.
He leaned in so close lips nearly touched. “You need to come down a few notches
Amata. Maybe I’m the one to do it.”
Arianna dropped a knife edge of her hand down, hitting the nerve laden forearm
and breaking the grip by virtue of sending his fingers into spasm. Balanced on
the balls of her feet, her grip sent Amata behind her, back to the wall and
facing the four Tunnel Snakes with no hint of fear. "Back off Butch, no more
warnings." Peripherally, the slender girl kept track of the other males,
waiting to see just who got stupid first and decided to push the envelope.
Amata broke her silence, tone hushed but firm. "She's right Butch, this isn't
going to end well once my father gets involved."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interest flared in that blue gaze, not for the coming fight but in the
diminutive female at the center of it. Small, something that wasn't that odd in
the vault but the girl was delicate in a way that defied description, something
that her defiant stance seemed to bring into sharp relief with the group of
taller males surrounding her. It took a moment or two of mental gymnastics to
place the female, a sharp intake of breath as it dawned on him who she was.
He’d been eighteen when Doc Talos’ daughter had her tenth birthday, the
standout bloodying of the the same male nose that currently faced off against
her had been vault gossip for months. She’d been a pretty little kid then but
damned if puberty blessed the girl with stellar results, curves in all the
right places and the sensuality to match in every line of lean muscle.
And to the trained eye Chris fixed on her, the way limbs arranged in space, the
appearance of serenity held more threat than it should. There was no sign of
hesitation, of anything but a surety of her own stance. That held him more than
Hunter's grin and hard fingers on his arm. Somehow, the outcome had already
been decided and Butch was not going to come out on top, he’d lay a week of
rations on it.
So he kept silent but close, just far enough out of peripheral vision to let
the scene play out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oblivious to the two vault guards watching from down the west hallway, Arianna
just tilted her head a fraction and ignored the implicit warning in Amata’s
voice. Butch was too dense to get it and honestly this was way more fun than
the stupid G.O.A.T. anyway. So, might as well poke the bear just a little more.
“Really she’s right, you should just go while you can. You know we’ve done this
before and you have to remember who kicked your ass then too.”
When Butch bellowed, heading at her like a bull, it was all rote. Father had
been right, muscle memory was more than effective. Arianna just rolled with it,
grabbing a hand and twisting as her body spun like a dancer's. Momentum carried
him into the wall, the metallic thud loud before knees gave out and he crumpled
like paper then stilled.
No rest though because two others moved, emboldened by Butch's initiative and
unable to stop once their leader fell so fast. In her mind, words flowed but
not as fast as limb and muscle. Carry tiger to mountain. One stumbled down a
hallway, barely able to keep his feet under him. Fair lady works shuttles.
Arianna lifted an arm up with a graceful twist, slamming into the exposed ribs
with a stiff forearm blow, hearing and feeling bones crunch as ribs cracked
under concentrated force.
The other tunnel snakes backed off, looks varying from anger and frustration to
shock, so small but the speed of a viper. As the circle widened, Arianna
finally saw the two security men down the hallway and swore softly. Of
course...no help from that front till someone busted her ass.
Hands slowly dropped as Arianna relaxed, fighting stance disappearing and a
relaxed 'who me?' stare replaced it. Just flashing a smile before glancing over
a shoulder at Amata. "You ready to take that damned test?" Linking arms with
her bestie, Rianna stepped round the Tunnel Snakes still on the ground and
strolled into the classroom, making sure to give security a nice view of her
swaying backside as the pair disappeared into the doorway.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It happened so fast, like a movie on fast forward. From threats to sass to boys
on the ground and others stumbling back in what had to be shock. Chris was just
as disconcerted. Nothing in his experience could explain what both men had just
witnessed as a young girl went from cheeky to virago to just a girl again, just
a young girl with that butter wouldn't melt in her mouth look that had to be
practiced as hell.
A glance shared between Hunter and himself solidified the impression that the
other officer was just as stunned. But Hunter shrugged and started down the
hallway forcing Chris to follow, speaking to the Tunnel Snakes that lingered a
few steps from their fallen comrades. "You two, get your friends down to Doc
Talos. I think they need attention."
Chris was not far behind, his interest more on the two girls walking away, this
a more carnal study of Arianna as she and Amata strode into the classroom. Too
young but seductive in a predatory way. Why had he not noticed before? Waiting
till everyone moved out of earshot, he glanced once more after the girls before
turning to his partner with a one sided grin. “What the hell just happened?”
Shrugging, Hunter watched the girls and the males disappear before giving the
other man’s arm a tug. “No clue. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
Looking back towards the classroom one more time, he led them back to their
route with a growing smirk. “Makes you wonder what else the Doc is teaching his
girl.”
Dodging the half-hearted punch aimed at his shoulder, Chris took one more
glance back before moving back to their primary reason for wandering. “I’m sure
there’s a line forming to teach her a few things.”
Hunter hadn't missed the glance and shook his head as the pair walked back down
the corridor, leaving the scene but the disbelief still colored the tone in the
other man's voice. "Can you believe that? Hell she can't be more than a hundred
and ten soaking wet and those bastards didn't stand a chance."
He shot a look at Chris' profile, the speculation rampant. "And you might wanna
rethink what you have going on in there. That's the Doc's daughter. She and
Amata are tight. Nothing you want to bring to our door."
Our door. That made Chris shake off the interest and snort. "Right, like if
either of them wandered into your quarters you'd say no, I can't." Nudging his
partner, they headed off onto a regular patrol of common areas. Boring as fuck
but it was something to do. That svelte body moving though stayed with him in
his mind's eye, a niggling temptation that just wouldn't quit.
Hunter didn’t stop but shook his head. “Man, don’t go there. I don’t wanna end
up on incinerator duty. That’s too young and too hot for both of us. “
The other man just snorted and chuckled. “Maybe for you.” Her image lingered,
firm backside in clingy lounge gear much more appealing than the view in front
of him as they focused back on work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nudges back and forth as the pair walked into the classroom, Arianna careful
not to look behind until they were past the threshold. The big one, big and
blond with sharp blue eyes, Chris had caught her eye once or twice. Hell it was
hard not too, so fuckin' tall compared to the other vault residents, he was
always just right there when on duty. Add the dark blue uniform and muscled
frame...well a young girl could drool if inclined.
Honestly, eyes following her were like a physical touch and Raina thanked god
the blush that rose was obscured by the angle. Inside, she turned to her friend
with a laugh. "Sheesh....figures. Vault security is always late to the party."
Amata just glanced over a shoulder nervously then up at her friend.
"Rainie...that was stupid. Butch wouldn't have done a thing. He knows dad would
kick his ass. But you...you made him look like a bitch. This won't go well if
he finds you alone."
Arianna just shrugged then giggled. "Amata...that was just a taste. I can do
much worse. I'm not worried about him finding me alone unless we're talking
about the trouble me kicking his ass is gonna cause with your dad."
Sitting down, Amata flashed Arianna a withering stare. "Just watch out.
Seriously." With that she opened her book and put her head down, a sure signal
the conversation was over on her part.
Shrugging, Raina walked to a chair two rows over and sat down. Time to get this
over with. Already a smile was forming. To hell with results, she'd fix those
later. Settling back, she played with her stylus and waited.....
***** Debatable Choices *****
"No, dammit Arianna. Try harder. Remember, hand opens right before you strike
the blow." The tone was that of a teacher to a student, just a bit of
irritation in the inflection. It was a voice most in the vault knew, the doctor
James and Arianna's proud papa. Well most of the time, this time her lack of
attention was exasperating and keeping that out of his tone was getting
difficult.
"Where is your head at today?" One of their few afternoons together and they
were working through her next set of lessons, Chen style tai chi chuan and it
was like herding a cat. James' frustration leaked out in the tone, comment
proof that while she was apple of her daddy's eye, he was a hell of a hard task
master.
Arianna grunted and made a face at the chastisement. Usually she did better but
her father hit the nail on the proverbial head, her mind wasn't in the practice
and it showed. Trying to explain what was keeping her in a dreamy state would
have made things worse.
It all went back to the afternoon in the cafeteria where the group had gone to
study. Well some. Arianna had been 'removed' from the instructional program
after the GOAT results came back in and her placement had been a joking
princess while Butch got 'hairdresser'. Needless to say hacking the mainframe
and changing test results had put her on the outs with the overseer and made
her father furious for about an hour before pride in a child who'd taken after
her mother peeked out. What the end result did was put her at her father's
disposal as an aide and a research assistant since other classes being taught
seemed a bit redundant. One admonition, no more tech hijinks and with a
straight face, Arianna had agreed, a promise that lasted a whole week before
she was back down in the reactor area, using the unit there to pick and wander
through various files and databases hidden by rather pathetic Vault-Tec cyber
security .
No what brought a young girls head around to something other than just having
fun was that tall security guard from the testing debacle. A little detective
work revealed a name for both and juicy tidbits like when they came up the
ranks and just who dated who. Amata kept swearing the man had been watching her
and finally, finally she'd caught a glance that made virginal blood run hot. A
chance turn revealed blue eyes skimming head to toe before he could look away.
But there was no girlish giggles or nudges in the hallway with whispers and
stares as he walked past. Arianna just didn't know how to act like that. No it
was more smoky, long stares from under long lashes and unconsciously sensual
movements that drew attention to the ripening form under the plain vault
clothing. The stare she'd gotten before heading up to the atrium for practice
had been so heated it made focus impossible, Ari just wanting to pick it apart
again and again in her own mind with a few embellishments here and there,
clothing optional.
A sharp yelp of her name brought attention back to what should be in the
forefront of her mind with a flush of embarassment. She muttered a 'yes daddy'
and did the move again, this time doing a bit better as the same instinct that
helped her win the fight made the next set of movements smoother and more
controlled.
She hoped.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris had come to terms with making rounds. It still bored the hell out of him
but it was better than the alternative which consisted of sitting on his ass or
working out in one of the exercise centers in the men's barracks. Drinking with
Hunter and some of the younger security guards came up frequently too but his
fascination with the doctor's leggy daughter began to make even those pursuits
pale. He'd been struggling to pay less attention when the little vixen noticed
the sidelong glances. Paying less attention went out the window when those dark
eyes seemed to catch him and the swaying walk became more seductive that it had
been before. Those curves just begged to be touched and the fantasies about his
hands palming them took up way to many hours in the day. Not like he was
celibate, a couple of the prettier ones were accommodating as hell even if the
face he saw while buried inside them was pert and surrounded by a waterfall of
dark hair. Made it seem like he was banging a pale, mediocre copy when the real
thing lay just out of reach.
Even Hunter began noticing the preoccupation, that same warning as weeks ago,
leave it alone. Chris just couldn't. It was like being able to see a buffet of
delicacies from behind a chain link wall. You could smell it, mouth watered at
the thought of taking a bite but you just couldn't reach it no matter how you
looked for a door. He wanted to find that door with a shamed urgency he
couldn't even confess to his closest friend.
Today, he'd made an effort, an honest try to ignore her but when she'd walked
by in thin blue pants that clung to every curve of a shapely ass and a tank top
that left no doubt as to her gender, Chris had stared. On the plus side, he
hadn't licked his lips too. Annoyingly, Hunter noticed too and pointed out said
ass as they walked past in a sotto voice. Too much temptation to resist, he'd
given Arianna another look at the same instant that she turned to glance at
something one of the group she'd been walking with said. Caught and all he
could do was flash a masculine grin of appreciation.
Now they walked on the upper level as Hunter lectured again. "Jesus Chris.
You're asking to get us busted down to the incinerator. Keep it in your pants
man, the doc's daughter is off limits. I mean shit there's what....seven years
or so between you? What have you got in common with a kid like that?"
Chris flashed Hunter a withering glance, grunt of irritation followed by a
pithy retort. “What do you have in common with Alice? Nothing but bouncing on a
mattress when she’s feeling amenable.”
A thump and the doc's voice floated up towards them. A sidelong glance, small
frown as Chris moved to the center railing, that open area allowing for a full
view of the lushness below. "She's younger but even you have to admit..." Blue
eyes searched till he found what he'd been looking for, James and Arianna to
the left, open area that had been padded for some purpose decades ago and the
pair was apparently using it to train.
Leaning on the rail, that gaze devoured her as she followed her father's
instructions, source of that skill the day of the GOAT becoming clear. "She's
not like the rest." The last bit had been quieter, almost a whisper as he
pointed below.
Hunter glanced down and a brow shot up. "You gotta point." But the comment fell
on an empty catwalk, Chris already moving to a side stairwell. Better view from
downstairs and as security, their interest wasn't going to be out of place.
So with Hunter three steps behind shaking his head, sputtering about their
impending doom as two sets of boot treads on metal stairs echoed down the
curved passageway. Chris entered the lower level and stood just inside the far
left archway, blue eyes hopefully less predatory than he thought they were.
The Doc saw them first, stopping the lesson with an upraised hand and nodding
to both men with a smile that was not welcoming but not exactly forbidding
either. "Gentlemen, I do hope we weren't disturbing anything by using the
atrium for practice."
The tone held a strong sense of authority that only an elder male could pull
off without sounding pretentious. Crossing his arms, James used every bit of
his over six foot to posture, studying both security officers but it was the
taller blond that made the father in him hear alarm bells. It wasn't attitude
that did it, it was something more intangible, perhaps a glance intercepted or
a word said from another vault resident but the way the man was eying Arianna
brought hackles to bear.
Well, if practice had been going half assed before, the two males entering the
Atrium basically blasted it all to hell. Arianna stilled behind her father,
doing her best not to look like she was peering around him to get a look at
just which two of the overseer's security force were there. Deep down she knew
just who stood there, it was the big blond and his shorter compatriot.
Unable to stand it after her father engaged the pair in conversation, she did
take a tiny look and if a heart could skip a beat in any medical capacity,
Arianna's did right then. So, trying to look as nonchalant as her daddy, she
wandered forward with the same cool stare. Thank god neither of the other two
could hear a suddenly racing heart. All they saw was dark eyes, hooded by long
lashes and clothing clinging to a slightly sweaty young body as a flush began
to stain her cheeks.
Willpower wasn't his strong suit. Not when it came to baser appetites but
somehow, Chris managed to keep his eyes completely on James once the first
glance slid to the lithe daughter for a millisecond or two. It was enough, that
body, cotton sticking in all the right places and bringing that image of him
peeling it off one forbidden inch at a time and his traitorous libido fired to
life. A short inhale, small prayer to whatever god that the dark blue uniform
wasn't form fitting or it would have given way too much away. Dark urges
stirring with her father staring him down like a hungry deathclaw. Not
something anyone on the team would face down but Chris somehow pulled the
resources from within and managed to speak without letting the need show.
"Actually Doctor Talos, it the practice I came down about." A incline of the
head towards Arianna's form. "We saw her the day the GOAT was given. She, well
she managed to give Butch and his little cadre of bullies a run for their
money." Chris glanced over a shoulder at Hunter an encouraging glance. "You
think you could see your way to teaching us? I think it’s about time security
tried expanding their repertoire”.
Hunter grunted in protest but didn't say much else, looking at his feet, a
random frond or anything else that would keep wayward eyes off the ripe figure
behind the Doc.
Mention of the GOAT brought the father's gaze around to the wayward girl behind
him, an eyebrow arching up. "The GOAT. Yes, I think I remember a few things
about that day." That stare brought with it a promise of more questions to come
when the two men left. When the results came back, James had been furious with
Arianna, her abilities never in question but the fact that she used them in
such a blatant fashion had him talking fast for weeks to save both of them from
being ousted.
Still, there had been an undercurrent of pride. Really how else could the
daughter of two such minds turn out? She'd had skills at a young age and the
lack of activity in the vault had led to Arianna seeking out different forms of
entertainment that he'd encouraged at the time with no idea of the way that
fertile young mind would blossom. Yes the vault was a waste but still, safety
had been at the heart of the move there.
But there was speculation as James returned his attention to Chris and Hunter.
"I could, but the overseer keeps me busy." The fact that both men wanted
training.....A slow smile blossomed. "But Arianna here has been training for
years. She could get you started and I'll look in now and then." Despite
misgivings it would keep the slender teen out of trouble and allow him the
freedom to try tweaking a few more variables with Jonas.
With her mouth hanging open, Arianna just stared at her father as if he'd grown
another head. Teach them? Tai Chi? All alone? Snapping the jaw shut with a
glare at James' back, she shifted interest to the two men. Chris, well he
sounded plausibly interested but his buddy Hunter looked everywhere but at her
and her daddy. This was something else, not what it seemed and if she'd been a
cat, curiosity would have done her in long ago.
Unaware of how her nibbling on a full bottom lip brought that ripe mouth into
play, Arianna crossed her arms and stepped forward, sway of hip and bosom
unconscious as those akimbo forearms pushed the round globes up almost as if
offering a better view. She did a slow stalk around the pair in blue, assessing
gaze lingering when her back was to James at the hard lines of the taller male.
She'd seen Chris in casual wear here and there but the thought of maybe a
shirtless view had her tongue licking her lips in anticipation.
A nod and a smile with a wicked edge directed at Chris and Hunter though it
lingered on Chris for a millisecond. Turning back to her father, her head
dipped in a nod. "I'll do it, but we're gonna have to start with the
contemporary form, maybe some yoga as well to get them a bit more flexible."
He could feel her stare like a physical touch and it took every ounce of
willpower not to follow that lithe body with his eyes. Part of him wanted to
see the expression on her face as she spoke, read emotions like a book so that
perverse attraction would either die or....
Chris swallowed and made it look like a laugh, unable to resist the imperative
to swivel the blond head around at catch Arianna on the final quarter circle.
That smile. Blue eyes narrowed just a bit, thoughts running through a fertile,
sexually charged mind were dark and lush, full of skin and flesh under his
hands. A hand came up fast, rubbing his face like it was weariness that made
him look away when a much more carnal reason that even now strained the fabric
of his undergarments. God, just being in the same room and looking at that body
had him about the same level as a boy her age.
He struggled with control, an imperative like think of fire ants or some such
and get over it. If they were to spend so much time together with Hunter in
attendance and her father probably peeking in to make sure the two men were
keeping it professional Chris had to keep the lustful bent to a minimum. On a
scale of one to ten, this little proposal ranked about a 9.5 on the probability
of getting neck deep and going down for the count with a fist around his
throat. No stopping it now though, her proximity making self preservation
evaporate.
Thank god Hunter hadn't lost the ability to speak, piping up and saving his
buddy though without knowing it. "Yoga, contemporary form? What exactly are you
talking about?"
It was James who answered, proud thread in the tone as a hand descended on the
seal dark head of his daughter. "Yes, Yoga and Tai Chi are entwined, one is
stillness, the other intention." Drawing the small girl in for a quick kiss on
the forehead, he nodded to the pair with a finality that few younger males
could carry off.
"Arianna will teach you. It starts easy and gets intense quickly. Be prepared
to open your minds." He knew he sounded foolish but it seemed right to release
the tension and remove his daughter from this place. While he understood the
possible reasons for both men to want to learn, he still had a father's
intuition and something told him that Chris' intentions weren't on the pure
side. Despite that, this might be a quick way to get on Almodovar’s slightly
better side again. James needed to make sure they had a safe haven and
Arianna’s antics were straining resolve in that arena. So he quelled the
misgivings and tugged on the thick braid running down his daughter's back.
"Arianna will be available a couple times a week. Come to me and we'll arrange
times for practice. I can check in here and there." That threat of observation
might keep it nice and asexual.
Stepping forward, Chris extended a hand to the Doc, making sure to keep his
gaze on the man's face. "We're looking forward to it."
***** The Heat is On *****
And so it began. Twice a week in the atrium. The three of them in relaxed
clothing, Arianna in the same brand of clingy pants and tank, accentuating firm
ass and long legs for such a petite creature. The top left...well it left the
imagination to do what it would with rounded mounds draped in the same blue,
just a little larger than most but it suited her perfectly.
But as they worked out, she managed to keep it all business. Yoga first, nerve
slides and postures making both men look lumbering and clumsy in the beginning
but they eventually got the hang of it. Chris faster than Hunter at times but
then again, he seemed to be paying more attention. She'd look at him from under
lashes here and there at something lurked in the depths of his eyes, a hot
emotion that Arianna knew had to be simmering inside her as well. Yoga was the
time to correct postures so after asking sweetly to adjust him the first time
around, the words bringing snorts of laughter from Hunter, her hands didn't
hesitate to pull here or tap there.
And oh my god was he firm, all muscle and so damned hot that the base urge to
slid fingers around to those pectorals or explore the V of his hip. It became a
special kind of torture that left her wet and dreamy at the end of the session.
Tai Chi after the yoga and half the time her father came in to lecture them
all. His moves, practiced and tight were something Arianna strove for and the
men tried to keep up. James had a lethal speed, Arianna close to it. It was
movement after movement, right handed first till they got the form down, then
left. The last couple of weeks had been the start of sparring. All of them left
the atrium sweaty but content that they'd managed to take one or the other down
though Arianna often was last man standing. They’d formed an odd knot of
friendship, a camaraderie that went past the sessions in the wide open room and
more often than not Chris, Hunter and Arianna lingered after the workout over a
post exercise snack in the upper level lounge or a game of pool.
All three just clicked, age difference fading as her dry wit and odd sense of
humor won even Hunter over and left Chris free to tease without the censure the
other man tossed his way. It didn’t make the sessions in the atrium any easier
on him but being around her, watching quicksilver emotions fly across her face
and basking in the easy familiarity of casual touches and playful nudges made
it worth it. It was another layer of torture, torment...call it what you would
but those afternoons in the atrium were getting harder to recover from as much
as he enjoyed them. He often joked with Hunter about how much hot water he
saved after the fact, trying to come down from what slowly became a slow,
erotic dance between him and Arianna.
Not that Chris had been anything but circumspect. James popping in without
warning, Hunter right there most of the time, he'd really kept hands to himself
though the same temptation that had him under it's spell seemed to be
spreading. You couldn't miss the flex of muscle as Arianna worked through the
poses, firm curves and soft lines drawing eyes and lascivious thoughts that
made the later half of the practice painful in the worst way. Didn't help that
she seemed to find ways to touch and pull, those slender fingers so firm on the
skin, made the mind wonder just how they'd feel all over.
Chris had slaked some of the lust with a few willing girls but that avenue was
beginning to pale. Obsession with the younger female was making the older
girls, the well versed in sexual escapade types, less than satisfying. He
wanted the slender beauty so close right now under him, no other. So his last
few encounters with the current girl of the month, Maryanne, had been called
off on some flimsy excuse. She hadn't been pleased but Chris really could care
less. The image floating through his consciousness was petite with long dark
hair and a tight curvy body and the ache it gave him brought a hand up to rub
at a sore spot in the shoulder, trying to tame wayward thoughts till he could
get back to his quarters.
Didn't help that they were doctor free today, just Hunter, Chris and Arianna in
the atrium with it's greenery stirring gently from the overhead vents. Hunter
currently crawled over to a bench on the left, hands up in surrender. "Okay,
I'm done. Kick his ass again." Jerking a thumb at Chris, Hunter gave his buddy
a sly wink. "He likes it."
Arianna's body quivered as she stood facing the taller of the men, a mixture of
fatigue and lust. Much like Chris, it had gotten harder and harder to pretend
this meant nothing, that the gentle touches, bold caress of fingers on skin
that had become de rigeur since they began training together. She'd gone to bed
aching so many times, had his image invade her dreams nightly at times, vague
images in the beginning becoming more and more vivid till it was a tangle of
limbs and sweaty bodies.
So already in a feverish state due to the last hour of back and forth with both
men, the thought of going one on one with the blonde guard brought a wave of
another kind of heat. Eyes gleamed under the stray waves that had escaped her
braid, clothing clung to lush curves almost invitingly. A hand lifted and waved
him closesr, smile dancing on her mouth.
"You heard the man, bring it on big boy."
Some primal part of his brain was screaming, the self preservation section that
lately had been completely cut off. It kept up a rapid tattoo of 'don't do
this' but Chris was way past listening to anything above the waist. A decision
rushed headlong his way, that once you stepped over the line you couldn't go
back kinda decision and had a plasma pistol been leveled at his head, chances
were he'd do just what he was doing now, striding towards the petite brunette
with a hungry look in those deep blue eyes.
Squared off against him, Arianna tempted with sheer presence. Lean muscle under
gold skin, curves no longer just hinted at under the loose clothing worn to
workout, the urge to just reach out and take what lay so close nearly unmanned
him. Nearly. Instead a hand shot out and it began.
The dance seemed innocent enough at first, kick, parry, punch, grasp sparrows
tail taking Arianna around him into the hard strength of his torso. He let it
linger too, a brush of soft against firmness and just the connection made him
forget to breath for a moment. Her retaliation much of the same, blocking but
the contact got longer and longer, grappling lacking the impetus to actually
break free. A hand landed on her midriff, just above the line of her pants and
under the edge of her shirt. Skin, slightly damp from the skirmishing felt like
silk and Chris' body stilled as the contact made the urges slowly working
through layers of control burst free. Hunter close behind them forgotten, the
forbidden nature of the caress bringing a wave of desire so intense it drove
the fingers a bit higher under the shirt as the other hand moved to meet it
across the flat expanse of Arianna's belly.
What part of her had become the wanton slut currently fighting to break free of
the constraints of metal and directive around her? Something had happened, the
first glance perhaps, the sheer presence of the man who right now held her in a
grip that seemed to telegraph confusing directions. Part begged to melt into
that muscled body, heat and sweat making the perfume of her desire increase
till the proof of arousal made the area between her thighs wet and slick and
the other screamed at the tiny fragment of her brain still aware of the
dangerous line they walked to run.
The end result was a stilling of the delicate body, head swiveling to stare up
at Chris with a dawning need under the innocent sensuality. Maybe he wasn't THE
one, but damn if a girl was gonna succumb, the moose of a man had every single
requirement needed to make her collapse in a puddle of want. So that run while
you still can just dissipated as the desire of sexual awakening exploded in a
young, protean brain.
Breath held for a second, quivering of the soft curves as Arianna lost her
defensive stance and leaned into the much older man, peering out from under
dark waves of tangled hair with confusion and an almost pleading stare.
Her acquiescence nearly unmanned him. Right there, in the middle of the atrium
a forbidden desire saw it's mate in the twin flame of warm brown eyes. Longing
expanded with a greedy fervor as the gentle, testing grip tightened, fingers
beginning to urge the slender waif so close to turn. Chris wanted to feel all
of it, firm breasts so close his knuckles on the left hand brushed the
underside of the warm weight in a move hidden by the loose cropped shirt
Arianna wore, hips outlined in light cotton that hinted at the treasure below
the belly button in a pathway he craved to explore with fingers and mouth.
One hand was sliding over a round buttock while the other at her waist started
to pull Arianna near. To hell with it all, fighting this was getting harder and
harder and the smell of her skin, spice of whatever perfume she used making
logical, safe thought impossible. It was the grunt of outrage from Hunter that
halted his progress, only breaking contact when someone else touched his skin.
"Hell no...oh hell no you are not doing that with me as a witness." The other
guard didn't step between the male and female caught up in a mating dance, only
shoved a hand between them and began to push Chris backwards, pulling at the
elbow instead of getting close to that treacherous girl flesh and succumbing
himself. "You two need to break the clench and retreat to opposite ends of the
atrium." He'd been about to say more when voices filtered in from down the
hallway, James and his assistant Jonah from the sound of it.
Looking Chris dead in the eyes, Hunter shook his head in resignation. "You're
going to thank me later." No other warning before Arianna was given a gentle
push back and his compatriot landed a solid blow to his solar plexus. Air left
his lungs with a whoosh and Chris staggered back a step, disbelief on his face.
Arianna hadn't missed the voices but until Hunter intervened she'd been
powerless to move, caught up in an imperative stronger than anything
experienced thus far in her young life. Desire like a weight in her belly lay
heavy and rich, making movements of limb and muscle druggingly slow. Her own
hands hadn't been idle, sliding up the warm strength of his bicep, the other
falling to the notch of the waist to begin tugging at the tucked in shirt,
wanting the skin he so freely explored on her body to be open to her own
stroking fingers.
Hunter's gentle nudge backwards brought her head around, confusion as the
object of her need was taken away. Slowly self preservation filtered in but the
little squeak as Hunter punched his bestie in the gut brought her hand up to
her mouth in surprise, brown eyes wide.
A couple of steps back and she glanced up the hallway, knowing the bend about a
hundred feet in was the only thing that had saved her and Chris from being
seen. A deep breath composed as the delicate lines of her face fell into more
circumspect lines, the only hint at what had just transpired was the latent
heat in her eyes, a gaze that moved to Hunter's profile with a nod of
gratitude.
"Nice punch."
He'd heard the voices from a distance but even with a world more experience
then the tempting creature in his arms, Chris'd been hard pressed to stop from
fulfilling what had become an erotic obsession for months. Her lips, so close,
scent of her body like a perfume of lust that clouded reason, made the
impending doom striding down the tunnel no more than a fly buzzing.
So Hunter's punch had confused and angered and Chris had taken a step before
folding back onto his injury, rubbing and staring, letting that blue gaze pin
Arianna for an instant, laden with need before it dropped to the floor and he
bent down and willed the rod in his pants to disappear.
"No kidding" The words were low and tense.
James and Jonah rounded the curve and caught the scene after the drama. Chris
bent over, Hunter in that predator stance and Arianna standing off to the left,
watching with wide eyes and a strangely confused stare till Jonah commented
loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Figured it would be Ari standing the pair of you on the floor. She just too
much for you both?" Laughing at his own joke, the pair drew into the forced air
breeze and James spoke as well.
"I take it the lessons are going well." Nodding to the hunched security officer
and his apparent attacker, the proud father pulled his daughter into a rough
hug. "I knew you were ready Arianna. Just took a nudge." Turning his attention
to the other two men, he jerked his chin back the way they came. “The Overseer
needs both of you in his office. Another assignment I believe.”
Looping an arm around Arianna’s waist, James tugged her around and back down
the same hallway with Jonas in tow.
***** Scenes from the Vault *****
Chapter Summary
     This one of many small vignettes, peeks into just how the
     relationship progresses and eventually leads up to the escape from
     Vault 101.
The meeting in the Overseer’s office was brief and to the point. The purifier
needed another part and Stanley was incapable of jury rigging something else to
fit in its place. Departure set for the next morning and with a nod to
Almodovar the pair left, tense discussion between them impossible to overhear
till they reached Hunter’s quarters.
Tossing aside a pair of boxers draped over the arm of the sofa onto the coffee
table with a grunt of disapproval, Chris sprawled on two out of three cushions,
irritation in the lines of his face. “You’re a pig Hunter. You might spend a
few moments picking up, impresses the ladies to no end. And I still think we
need to tell Rain and Doc we’re gonna be too busy to train. I’m sure they have
things to do.”
Hunter blew god knows what out of one of the cups over the sink and settled in
the chair opposite his partner, filling both half way with scotch and making
sure to push the less clean one at his friend before taking a long swallow out
of his own. “Like you know any ladies.” A shake of his head at the second
comment. “And no I don’t agree. Doc knows we’ll be gone and I’m sure his girl
isn’t supposed to have a clue.”
Peering over the rim, Hunter’s blue eyes fixed on Chris, unblinking and
unmerciful in the scan of his buddy’s face. “Dry spell you’re in the middle of
accidental or you still got the hots for our underage instructor? That scene in
the atrium is gonna spell the end for you if you don’t back off. You better
hope it’s the overseer who gets hold of your ass cause the Doc’ll clean the
floor with you.”
Tossing back the contents, Chris kept silent, running an impatient hand thru
his hair and setting the empty mug back on the table with a jerk of his chin as
indication of need of a refill. Hunter obliged while he formulated a reply.
“Don’t start on that again. I’m doing what I can…..” Lifting the now full cup,
he drank in silence before speaking again, unable to meet his best friend’s
gaze as he worked up the courage for the next admission. “It’d be easier if
she’d resist it.”
The mug rising to Hunter’s mouth stopped and lowered as his startled stare
scoped out the other man’s expression. “Shit….just….shit.” Rubbing his face,
Hunter poured another measure into both cups and shook his head. “We’re
fucked.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By sunrise, the two vault guards had disappeared to be replaced by scruffy
wastelanders, packs at the ready and waiting silent after sneaking to the vault
entrance thru the Overseer’s stealth passage. Didn’t take long for boots to
clang on steel grating as Almodovar and Officer Mack appeared from the same
hidey hole, faces stern and devoid of anything save resolve.
“You know the drill, a minute past seventy-two hours and we stop listening 24/
7 and go to twelve hour intervals. Don’t come back without the sleeve couplings
and the gear linkage.” Overseer Almodovar’s tone lacked anything but cool
resolve as with a wave of the hand he signaled Stevie to open the door.
Much like the detritus James had seen sixteen years ago, the pair moved with
surety towards the dim light from above, carefully keeping to obscure areas to
hide their passage till reaching the decrepit entrance. A push revealed watery
sunlight and dusty air, making both yank up face shields to filter particulates
stirring like intranquil spirits with each bootfall.
Hunter scanned with the naked eye while Chris studied farther down range thru
the scope of his rifle. “Don’t see jack. You wanna scav a bit before we head to
Megaton?”
Chris lowered the weapon, stowing it with a practiced ease. “Probably should.
Hate to head into town with nothing to bargain with.”
“True, true. We got the dregs old Iron Ass passed on but I don’t think they’ll
fetch enough to cover the parts.” Impatient fingers tugged a pair of goggles
down, shading his baby blues from the brutal rays of the sun. “Besides, when
was the last time you got to shoot anything?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They actually ran ten hours over deadline but despite the skirmish with raiders
near Springvale managed to make it back to Vault 101 the parts and minimal
damage all things considered. But minimal damage meant a run to the clinic and
neither male expected to see Arianna perched on a stool, line of instruments to
her left and across from her father who was standing clip board in hand near
the exam table.
“Hop up Chris. The overseer told me things went as expected.” Waving his
daughter over, James got to work, the father/daughter pair making short work of
the surgery and when done the Doc peeled off gloves with an approving nod at
his offspring. “Sweetheart, you never fail to impress me. I do think you’re as
efficient as I am these days.” Turning to fill out the chart, he took his eyes
off the pair and missed the hot stare between them.
Arianna’d hacked the system long ago, read the logs and knew both Hunter and
Chris had ventured out a few times to get supplies and run recon for the
Overseer but seeing her current fixation injured and bleeding brought out the
nurse in her, faithfully trained at her father’s elbow out of necessity and a
need to bond with the one person who anchored her world. Working bandages into
a perfectly straight line of white gauze, her eyes met Chris’ and fingers
fumbled the seal, leading to a long, tantalizing drag of nails along the inner
lines of his bicep.
“Let me help.” The words, softly spoken, made her heart jump as Chris’ palm
closed over her own and took over the final tweaking of the attachments before
dropping to his side. Though not before knuckles grazed the silky skin of her
cheek and jaw. His prize, a winsome smile laden with repressed desire, proof a
banked fire kept smouldering even when distance stood in the way.
Grin beginning to appear, Chris slid from the table and motioned Arianna over.
“I brought you something.”
Ari slid into a chair near the mass spec and waited while the male rummaged and
came up with a credit card sized bit of tech, pushing it towards her with what
she’d swear was a hopeful, half-smile. “Found this, thought you’d find
something to do with it.”
Turning it over in her fingers, she pondered then conclusions dawned, making
the young girl yelp with excitement and press a kiss to a scruffy cheek. “You
rock Chris…..” Standing, Arianna did a confused two step before heading out the
door with a quick, backwards glance at the knot of males in the clinic. “I’m
heading down to maintenance. Back in a bit.“
Hunter spoke first, confusion in the lines on his brow. “Maintenance?”
James chuckled as he picked up the tray used to patch Chris up. “Yes. Stanley
and Arianna have a bond, especially since she excels at mechanical and
electrical system analysis and repair. She gives him a hand when needed, he
gave her space in his area with her own workbench and access to all the tools
and parts she needs.”
Finished with the clean up, his gaze returned to the hatchway his daughter
disappeared through, smile proud and affectionate. “Arianna seems to gravitate
towards the older residents.” Pale blue eyes had a slate grey edge thanks to
the coat and metal walls as they shifted back to the two security guards. “Like
you two. Those her age cannot seem to communicate on her level.”
Hunter nodded and looked at Chris, Chris met the Doc’s stare with the same
resolute expression. “I’m not sure we communicate on her level. Honestly I’m
not sure anyone could. She’s capable of running mental laps around all of us.”
He too laughed softly. “Rain is a force of nature that’s too smart for her own
good.”
Tapping his partner’s arm, Hunter moved to the same doorway. “Come on, you & I
stink and it’s really getting ripe in here. See yah later doc.”
James watched them leave, slight furrow between his brows.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunter must have known what he was going to do. His compatriot never appeared
after cleaning up and despite the honed instinct for survival, Chris found feet
leading him past the main occupation level, past the farms in the depths to
Stanley Armstrong’s ‘division’, a series of rooms with dim lighting and sounds
of the vault at work, pings, thumps and the thrum of the reactors at both ends.
Arianna hunched over a bench, vault work jumper unzipped, arms tied around her
waist and only a thin tank covering curves in repose. Sneaking wasn’t hard with
the ambient noise and she didn’t look up as Chris leaned against the hatch,
eyes devouring her from foot to head like a thirsty man finally given a drink.
Oddly enough this trip outside the vault had failed to engage like the last
few, thoughts preoccupied with that last encounter in the atrium and how much
Rain would have loved seeing the outside world as it stood now. It wasn’t safe
of course but telling her about it now gave him the excuse to seek her out.
Helped that Stanley was nowhere to be found due to the late hour which meant
they had privacy, something that should have sent off clarion calls to book it
the other way before he succumbed and pushed her up against a wall with
lascivious intent. Pushing off with a shoulder, temptation led him one step at
a time towards his target.
That target on the other hand was oblivious, pick in each hand and a bottle of
cleanser at her elbow. After cracking the case open, she’d been working on
pulling off scale to get to the small motherboard inside the device. Her pipboy
lay near the back of the bench, also open but the components were lit from
within, indicating it was on. Already sure of what she was looking for, her
attention remained focused until Chris got within a few steps of her perch.
Only then did she look up, surprise and a twinge of excitement flushing her
cheeks. “Figured you’d be passed out after being gone for nearly four days.”
Chris laughed and moved behind her, petite stature making it easy for the much
taller security guard to peer over her shoulder, giving him the opportunity to
lay hands on her shoulders in a gentle massaging motion. “I thought you might
like to hear about how things went and how I came to have that but if you’d
rather I went to bed….”
Fingers and thumbs worked magic on tense muscles and with a sigh the young girl
straightened and let her weight rest on Chris’ body, feeling a tingle start in
places much lower than where they made physical contact. “No, no, keep this up
and regale me with amazing tales.” One hand lifted and pulled thick, dark waves
out of his way and offering him better access to warm skin. “You have
adventures to tell me about right? Or was it just fast women and bottles of
liquor in questionable circumstances?”
Chuckling, those digits ceased movement and started to slide down, running
along her spine and crossing in front to grasp the curve of Arianna’s waist.
“No women. I seem to have a fascination with just one.” His head had lowered,
so close to the arch of her neck she’d feel his breath along her skin. “But we
did run into a few giant ants, raider bands.” An inhale overrode every iota of
self preservation as that unique, spicy scent Arianna wore filled his nostrils
and made the casual pants he wore suddenly a bit too small. The voice screaming
to disengage and retreat got squelched under a hammer of carnal need so intense
it weakened will and knee. His mouth descended, a kiss on warm flesh before
teeth teased the taut cording of her throat.
Just one, the admission rang in her ears before his lips chased every thought
from her head and dropped her into an explosion of erotic sensation. Arianna
moaned softly and tilted a bit to allow better access, one hand finding the
scratch of Chris’ unshaven jaw in a caress that moved to the soft curls at his
nape. “Sounds exciting. Like the scruff by the way, it’s sexy.” Her voice
sounded strained to her own ears.
His grip loosened and drifted upwards, cupping the plump mounds of her breasts
as thumbs ghosted over the spike of her nipples, reaction to his presence
bringing a rumble of approval from deep in the chest she reclined against. One
word for the current entanglement, madness but for the life of him Chris
couldn’t seem to call a halt to the entrancing cruise along such a willing
companion. It made sanity unattainable and folly so close it hummed in time to
the crash of his heart. So erect he pushed back the waistband of his pants, he
was fast approaching the point of no return and instinct raged towards a single
end, removal of offending garments and him buried deep within her.
Arianna had lost all interest in the mechanical workings of her gift, first
real taste of passion firing up storms of sensation throughout her body. The
ache between her legs almost painful as a torrent of wanton need slicked her
core, the first touch of hands other than her own awakening an appetite that
demanded to be fed, telegraphed to Chris by the soft purr of delight at his
machinations.
“Ari, you down here? Your dad sent me to check on you. It’s getting kinda late”
From down the corridor, Stanley’s voice bounced off the walls and making Chris
growl against the tender skin just under her ear. He broke his grip and stepped
back, raking his hair back with a hand that trembled just slightly.
Spinning on the stool, Arianna faced him with wide eyes, flushed and loose as
she struggled to come down from the cascade of sensations so cruelly halted
before they could be explored fully.
“We need to stop this.” Low, his voice not much above a whisper held an edge of
desperation.
Shaking her head, sending loose hair tumbling down to cover nipples still at
attention. “No.” Turning when the footfalls reached the open doorway behind
Chris, a smile pasted in place, she greeted Stanley with a perky hello.
***** Scenes from the Vault *****
The release of the cap, that little hiss of what Arianna called excitement and
with a sibilant bubble half the contents of an original, in bottle Nuka-cola
foamed into the coffee cup on the desk. Splashing a finger or two of scotch in
addition, she took a swallow and sighed in delight. Setting her concoction down
by the keyboard, fingers danced with unreal speed as yet another layer of
Vault-Tec security fell.
For close to an hour she sifted and tagged a couple dozen files of interest as
well as reviewing current logs from nearly every department in the vault with
special attention for mentions of her father, her or the boys. A ping from her
pipboy and with a couple of keystrokes the camera from the hallway two over
popped up in a corner window, revealing a pair of familiar silhouettes. The
bottom file drawer banged shut with a punt from a boot clad toe and Arianna
kicked her feet up on the desktop, leaning back,relaxed after settling an open
box of Spring Valley crisps at her elbow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You’re sure she hides down here?” Hunter sounded aggrieved and a touch put out
at being dragged into the bowels of the vault on what he called a fool's errand
and Chris referred to as something other than drinking to do.
The taller male snorted in irritation. “Yes, as I’ve stated at least twice
since we made it past the hydroponic level. I doubt she pulls her chicanery off
in the living quarter levels.”
Hunter eyed Chris with just a touch of disbelief. “You know damn well I’m here
to keep things PG. You can’t be trusted and I have to say I’m a bit
disappointed.” Humor started to creep into what had been a slightly admonishing
tone. “A man your age needing a chaperone….”
No warning as his partner turned and leveled a gentle punch to his shoulder.
“Has absolutely nothing to do with the fact Alice has moved on to a younger
target. She’s turning into a cougar.”
Hunter punched him back, a little more emotion in his blow. “Least she’s
keeping them over 18.”
Slowing down, Chris half turned with a scowl. “I told you, it’d be easier…….”
A hand came up to forestall the rest of the sentence. “Yeah, easier if she’d
resist. You ever think maybe you’re the problem?”
Oddly enough, the comment brought the start of a grin to Chris’ face. “Too hot
for her? You may be right.” Three empty rooms and the fourth yielded their
target. “Told you.” He strode in with Hunter on his six, frowning and muttering
quietly.
“Well, you two really need a bit of work in the stealth department.” Arianna
didn’t change her posture, just gave a shake of her head and took another sip
out of her cup to hide the beginning of a smile at seeing both of them.
Hunter, in typical fashion, honed in on the one item that seemed a bit out of
place. “Damn, original Nuka, not the synth stuff from upstairs.” Narrowed eyes
fixed on the female first, then the box of crisps next to her. “And those….you
got contraband down here?”
Laughing, Chris ruffled Rain’s hair before snagging a chip, posting up on the
corner of the desk before grunting and hopping off, looking around
suspiciously. “The desk is cold….” Crouching so close that he could lay his
head on her shapely thigh, he ran a hand down the side, stopping by the base
and looking up at his obsession with a sly stare. “What have you done little
girl?”
“Hey!” Arianna was shifting as he started to yank the drawer open, her futile
moves to block him slapped away playfully as Chris pulled the top of the inset
metal box open, releasing a wave of cold air.
Hunter gawked over her head with disbelief. “You put a refrigeration unit in a
desk?”
Pulling a bottle of Cola and scotch up at the same time, Chris flashed labels
at his partner with an outright snort of laughter. “And it’s stocked.” Handing
the booze over to Hunter, he used the free hand to slide along her jawline,
pushing hair behind her ear. “You have been misbehaving haven’t you.” A thumb
rubbed her plump bottom lip.
Glaring, she nipped at the offending digit but when the expression on his face
softened, gleam of hunger appearing in the depths of his eyes, Arianna followed
with a flick of the tongue, smirk on her own visage widening to a giggle of
amusement. Reaching over, Hunter broke contact with a stern warning. “Hey, PG-
13 remember?”
Chris glared but let his hand fall to her leg, gently caressing and not rising
till the burn in calves, thighs and glutes got unbearable.
Cracking the scotch open and taking a long swallow from the bottle, he passed
it to Chris and snagged the cup off the desk, sniffing suspiciously before
trying the mixture. “Not bad but you know what they say about youngsters and
drinking alone….”
The tussle between the pair took a minute but Arianna got her mug back seconds
before Chris passed the bottle back to Hunter and grabbed it for a taste test
as well. “Interesting. And I do know what they say, leads to depravity and
questionable behaviors.”
“First of all, I’m unfortunately not alone…” Half standing she claimed her cup
with a pinch to her offender’s side. “And as far as depravity and questionable
behaviors, I have a ways to go before I top out at your level.”
This time, Chris’ laugh had a darker edge, bringing Hunter’s blue eyes around
in a hard stare. “And I’m sure he’s more than willing to assist you on the
catch up.” The bottle went back the other way. “Now, let’s wander on back to
safer subjects. We wanna know what the hell you’re doing down here?”
“Speak for yourself Hunter.. I’d like to know where she’s getting all this.” He
popped a chip in his mouth and waved at the drawer. “We’ve been out of stock
for years on those and the scotch, that’s something I’ve never seen before.”
Chocolate eyes went from her crush’s face to Hunter, a tiny smidgen of guilt in
the grin on her face. “Just nosing around. You find out all kinda things if you
got the skills.” The gaze bounced back to Chris. “And I’m an enterprising
individual.”
While they talked, Hunter rummaged till he found two more mugs and poured
healthy measures of the top label scotch in both before passing one to Chris.
Corralling the only other chair, he gave his partner a roguish smirk, one that
faded fast as Chris pulled Arianna up long enough to sit and settle her back on
his lap, leaning them both back with his mug in one hand and the other around
her trim waist. The wicked smile he returned had a nefarious edge.
“You best keep that visible yah deviant or there’ll be hell to pay.” Hunter
poked at her with his foot. “Spill. All the details too.”
Giving a little wiggle to get cozy, the slender girl leaned back and made a
face. “Alright...alright. I’ve always had full run of this place and since the
other kids my age weren’t too interested in exploring, I did an expedition or
two into the storage facilities.” Shrugging she took a sip and laid her fingers
over Chris’, relaxed and surprisingly at home. “Figured with how some things
were going faster than others, I should put a few aside, you know, being a
connoisseur and all that. Wasn’t anything to hop on and doctor the inventory so
no-one ever noticed the Nuka’s or the chips missing.” Pointing to the scotch
bottle, a snicker escaped. “Now that, that wasn’t on any inventory list so I
suspect it belonged to the previous overseer, two boxes in a corner of the
south reactor room. Finders keepers….”
Chris started laughing, Hunter peered at Arianna, expression both incredulous
and impressed. “Exactly how much are we talking about? That got lost I mean.”
Her eyes dropped as she took a sip of her own cocktail, voice a touch muffled
by the rim. “Well, fifteen cases of Nuka, eight of the crisps.”
Both men erupted in hilarity while she just stared, affronted. “Hey, I had to
give some to Stanley for helping with the refrigeration project so I’m down to
eight and six now. Real story”
When he could talk again, Hunter gave her a bro punch to the arm. “I’m both
impressed and appalled by your larcenous heart.” He drained his mug and poured
another dram then passed the bottle to Chris. “And here I thought he was the
bad influence when you apparently have descended into a life of crime way
before we wandered past. Speaking of…” He waved an empty hand at the doorway.
“How do you keep from getting caught? I know not many people venture down this
far but there are enough residents wandering on a regular basis.”
Raising her hand to her face, Arianna took a bit longer to answer this one and
carefully avoided either man’s stare. “I kinda hacked into the security systems
and have a warning set up with infrared beams at either stairway. I knew you
were coming way before you had a clue where I was.”
A moment of silence as the cup halfway to Hunter’s mouth lowered and Chris
pulled back, leaning to glance down at the sylphic creature reclining on his
lap. “You hacked security? Rain what else have you been into?” Despite the
delightful pressure of a rounded ass on his semi-erect shaft, the scope of her
activities began to dawn on him. Since the GOAT, no one could deny Arianna’s
abilities when it came to intelligence but the fact that major systems had
already fallen to her probing made it startlingly clear that even her father
probably had no clue just how inventive she was nor exactly what that brilliant
mind had come up with to pass the time.
Hunter just stared in disbelief and Chris waited, fingers tangled in the silky
strands of hair at her nape and caressing the softness while anticipating some
sort of response. Jerking back enough to stare at both males, she looked
legitimately confused. “What? It’s not that hard or that big of a deal.
Overseer logs, original vault specs and databases, anything that seemed
interesting.”
Putting the cup down with a thump, Hunter stood and paced for a few seconds
before rounding on the pair in the chair. “Arianna, you literally violated so
many security protocols even I don’t know the punishment you’d be facing. If
the overseer ever suspected what you’ve been up to…”
When he paused she took the moment to pipe up. “He thinks I’m a brat and too
good for Amata, but she loves me and he has to tolerate it. I mean he hasn’t
sic’d Butch and his little tribe of assholes…”
Ari would have said more but Chris interrupted her this time, hands firm in her
hair and keeping her head still so their eyes could lock. “Rain, what does
Butch have to do with any of this?”
She slapped at whatever part of his wrist she could reach, indignation
beginning to rise. “Overseer Almodovar uses them to intimidate residents who
are a pain and don’t agree with his leadership goals. Why do you think Butch
keeps after Amata? He’s got enough on her dad that I’m sure he thinks he’s
untouchable.”
The two men shared a look as Chris released her, fingers caressing her neck and
jaw in an absent minded apology. Hunter again spoke first. “Shit….shit I
thought we were fucked when you couldn’t seem to keep it in your pants but
now.” He filled up his mug again and took a healthy swallow. “Now we’re all in
up to our necks.”
Exhaling in exasperation, Arianna’s eyes flicked from one male to the other.
“As if. Not like either one of you had anything to do with this stuff.” One
corner of her mouth began to tilt upwards in a lopsided grin. “I don’t think
you could keep up.”
Misgivings choked out any amusement Chris might have felt, worry darkening blue
eyes as he lifted and turned her so she had to look at him. “Rain, this isn’t
funny. If the overseer ever gets wind of what you’ve done or what you’re
capable of...Butch would probably be the least of your worries. You need to be
more careful.”
Slapping Chris’ hands away, Arianna stood, fixing both men with a flat,
irritated stare. “Until you two, no one has had a clue and I’ve been coming
down here for years.” Tossing back what remained in her own mug, she rinsed it
in a sink at the back of the room and engaged the biometric locks on the desk
and terminal, leaving the workspace looking abandoned except for a few chip
crumbs.
Clipping the pip-boy back on, she stood by the doorway with a stiff back,
fingers tapping here and there till she seemed satisfied. “Let’s go. We’ll be
fine to make it up to public levels without showing up on camera.”
***** Scenes from the Vault *****
The atrium had a surprisingly hushed quality despite the small knots of people
starting to wander off as the night drew to a close. Not many of the vault
residents congregated in the upper lounge after a certain time, more content in
the down home vibe of the cafeteria after the simulated fall of night. On the
positive, the taped version of a night under the stars had worn out a few
decades ago, leaving nothing but the hum of the HVAC and murmur of whoever
still sat down in the lower garden. On one side, Arianna, Hunter and Chris took
turns at the red felted pool table while on the other Jonas and James stood in
the near darkness, both with tumblers in hand.
Jonas sipped and indicated the three laughing as Hunter shot the cue ball off
under the jukebox. “I’m still puzzled. Your daughter spends half her time
studying, training and half her time hanging out with the overseer’s top
minions and you’re okay with it.”
Sighing, James watched the threesome with a look that had a wistful edge.
“She’s out of place Jonas. Amata and her clique tend towards the shallow end,
the rest are intellectually stunted in many ways. I don’t fully trust those two
but in a way she’s safer with them.” Swirling the liquid and releasing the
pungent hit of whiskey, he took a drink that burned all the way down.
“Almodovar is on the warpath and she’s a target that I can’t fully protect.
They might be able to do what I can’t.”
“So it’s like she gained a couple of big brothers…” Jonas nodded in
understanding but James shook his head in a negative.
“No Jonas, I don’t trust their motives that much.” His gaze rested on the
tallest of the two men with a father’s intuition. “But the lesser of two evils
is something I can live with. It’s not like she can’t take care of herself.”
Even to himself the words sounded hollow.
Arianna had a unique perspective, one that he cultivated deliberately. He’d
fostered a need to learn, a thirst for new and innovative ideas to explore and
an openness to change. James wanted her to approach life with a limitless
vision that ignored boundaries and preconceived judgements to forge her own
path based on personal truth and self. He’d just never realized how quickly his
daughter would mature or just how much of a cunning and resourceful creature
Arianna’d become. Somewhere though he’d lost control and now could only watch
and hope his teachings stuck.
You couldn’t miss it though, the undercurrent between the big blond Chris and
his petite offspring. Arianna leaned in to hear a comment, then with a laugh
pushed off on the other man’s chest that reminded him of the halcyon days of
his courtship with Catherine. His daughter’s mannerisms, her honed wit had
become an almost daily reminder of his dead wife and a dream left to moulder on
the vine. As much as he wanted to shove the vault guard through a glass window,
James understood the more he pressured her to leave them alone, the more the
contrary child would run the other way.
Draining his glass, James took one last look and turned to nudge Jonas. “Come
on, lets run that last set of tests on the flow issue again. I'm sure we’re
close to a breakthrough.” And truthfully, watching Arianna left him with a
worried knot in his stomach and him running across the walkway to pull her out
of the lounge was out of the question. The time they were both on was borrowed
and he needed as many ace in the holes as he could get.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inside the lounge, the lack of occupants save the three under observation from
across the upper level made the byplay just a touch more raucous. Hunter waved
his free hand, beer sloshing just a touch but not enough to really signal just
how drunk he was. “No, no I’m sure she’s cheating. It’s a trick ball or
something.”
The chorus of ‘I’m not cheating’ and ‘It’s not a trick ball for gods sake’
brought another round of merriment as Arianna moved to rack another game. Chris
got distracted by that firm ass as she bent over but came back with a quick
slam at his friend. “Maybe you just suck at the game.”
Arianna snickered and put the cue ball up for the break. “Maybe you both should
have paid more attention in Mr. Brotch’s classes. This game is all physics and
geometry.”
Both men stopped ribbing each other and stared. “You just had to go and ruin it
didn’t you with all that brainy stuff.” Hunter did a little side step, righted
himself and leaned against the bar, waving his partner forward just a touch
unsteadily. “You go. She’s gonna kick our ass again anyway.”
Chris just stood there, cue in one hand, beer in the other and gave Arianna the
once over. “Well if you were teaching maybe I would have paid better
attention.” Taking a swig out of the bottle he too waved her on. “Break but
explain it all.”
Eyeing both men for a moment, she moved up and leaned over the table, cue
gripped gently in her hands. The crack as the balls scattered and three hit
various pockets echoed and Hunter pointed at her, almost accusingly. “Told
you.” An hour passed, Ari explaining the dots along the felt on the edges,
angles and english on the ball. Hunter was too far gone to get most but Chris
seemed determined to keep up and it wasn’t long before his experiments with all
three began to pay off. Now it was down to the two of them, Arianna and Chris
with one ball on the table.
He eyed the ball then the shapely female on the other side of the table, a
wicked smirk slowly curling the corners of his mouth. “So, what does the winner
get?”
An eyebrow shot up but she managed to contain an answering grin as her mind
descended into the smutty depths of fantasy without much warning. “Well, I
suppose what they want to claim.”
Walking around the table and stopping within a foot of her, arms akimbo, their
differences in size had never been more obvious. Diminutive but rounded in all
the right places, Arianna’s head didn’t make his shoulder, his muscular bulk
all but obscuring her from anyone behind him had they been peering in.
“Anything, anywhere….deal?”
Somehow, the playful match game had ended here, light hearted teasing
evaporating in a loaded question that Arianna wasn’t sure she had the right
answer too. Yes or no wasn’t hard but just what was she agreeing to? For once,
her lack of experience put her at a disadvantage and her smile faded a few
degrees while her mind whirred with possible outcomes. Those meltingly warm
eyes searched the planes of his face, looking for a clue to what he meant but
for once Chris’ poker face denied her anything but that one imperative. Choose.
It was more than a bet they were talking about, more than a simple wager. Come
what may, for this man, this beautiful blonde, blue eyed charmer, she’d risk it
all. “Okay, you’re on.” Taking a step into that substantial wall of muscle and
heat, her head tilted back till she stared unflinchingly up at him. “Your shot
Casanova.”
Chucking her under the chin, Chris walked around her and lined up his shot,
taking time and walking the table to get eye lines in a few different
directions before settling down for one. “Corner pocket.” Indicating the
choice, he drew back and sank it.
A peal of laughter erupted, disbelief warring with a touch of illicit
anticipation. “You played me didn’t you.” There was nothing but affection in
the tone.
God she never failed to amaze him. From the nerdy recitation of Newton’s laws
to the fearless stance at her loss of the bet, nothing in her demeanor hinted
at any misgivings of what she might face with him in control. That trust
unsettled and thrilled him at the same time. It made him wonder if what he
planned, all the schemes and scenarios imagined during cold showers and late
nights lying awake, so hard it hurt, would be enough to keep her. That’s what
it boiled down to, the no going back on his part and a fear of her bolting,
never looking back.
He opened his mouth to respond but it died in his throat as a figure at the
door stepped out of the darkened atrium balcony. “Hey Doc.” Chris seemed calm,
face schooled into friendly, unassuming lines.
Jumping with a half turn, Arianna turned, heart pounding and a flush starting
to creep up her cheekbones. “Daddy! You’re up late.” She walked over and put
her cue back into the wall rack. “Well up late and NOT in the lab.”
“Well,I was heading to bed and looked in. I thought you could use the help.” A
nod in Hunter’s direction revealed their companion, sprawled on a booth seat,
head back with an open mouthed snore here and there.
Dropping his head, Chris stowed his cue as well and moved to Hunter’s left and
indicated the doc take the right. “If you don’t mind then.” The pair lifted the
inebriated guard up and on shoulders, Arianna explaining his circumstances
while they guided him back to his quarters. “He and Alice broke up. Guess he’s
having a bit of an issue with it.”
It also stopped the collection of the bet, dammit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How’s the head?”
Hunter ignored the question.
“Seriously, you’re still pissed?” Chris stopped in the middle of the hallway,
laughing as he took one last look at their log on his pip-boy. “You shouldn’t
have had the last eight beers.”
Halting as well, the other man turned with an impassive stare. “You’re my wing
man. You’re supposed to stop me.”
“You don’t stop me.” He held up a hand and finished the audio report. Nothing
new, nothing interesting except having to escort Ms. DeLoria back to her
quarters since she was so drunk she’d spend 10 minutes trying to get into a
locked supply closet thinking it was her door.
A look of bafflement was the response he got to the comment. “I’ve tried. You
have a death wish and some fixation on an underage prodigy with killer combat
training and a secret stash of goodies.” Since they had no privacy, the words
were hissed out just below a whisper level. “Next time I’m just going to shoot
you.”
Chris just rolled his eyes. “Officer Sebastian, end of duty log complete.”
Pushing a button to end the radio call, he flashed perfect white teeth in a
smile. “That I’m fine with. You’re supposed to make sure I don’t get caught.”
A glance up the hallway widened the grin. “Speaking of, I gotta go. Gotta bet
to collect on.” Breaking into a trot, he half turned and waved at Hunter. “See
you at dinner. This won’t take too long.”
“With your blue balls I’m sure it won’t.” Muttering under his breath, Hunter
backtracked towards Security to ditch his weapons before heading back to his
quarters to shower and change.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Earbuds in, Arianna fiddled with the media files on her pipboy till the right
song popped on.They never saw us coming 'Til they hit the floor Oblivious to
anything, she’d missed the two guards and the exchange between them as well as
not seeing Chris peel off and head her direction, still singing along softly.
“All dressed up for a hit and run…” Taking a left with all intention of heading
to the clinic, there was no warning as hands scooped her up, carrying her a few
feet and shoving her into one of Stanley’s closets.
Outraged, she got stopped mid-turn and spun, hands rising for a smack down
falling to her sides in astonishment as Chris inspected her face for a moment,
judging her reaction before the hands at her waist fell down over her pert
bottom. He gave those plump globes a squeeze before lifting and parting her
legs, settling between them as her back hit the wall with a thump.
Cinnamon shaded eyes narrowed as she hissed at him quietly. “What the hell?”
Hip to hip, breasts crushed against his chest and arms looping up around his
neck for balance, there was no hiding the ridge nestled against the juncture of
her thighs and anger melted into lust before she could draw the next breath to
chastise him further. Hot, getting wetter by the second Arianna just stared up
at him, that same intoxicating mixture of innocent confusion and wanton
carnality in her shocked gaze.
Chris couldn’t hide the salacious edge to his smirk, lowering his head to let
his mouth play along the tender flesh just under her ear. “I have a wager to
collect on.” The growl vibrated along the cord in her throat, the answering
ache in her midsection soaking the hottest part of her where it rested against
the rigid length of his erection.
As soon as they made contact he knew he’d made a mistake. Why in hell he
thought this was a good idea just escaped him as her scent, the willingness in
lax muscles and the growing heat in skin and sex made his hands tremble.
Fingers played along the inner reaches of her perfectly shaped rear, teasing
the edges of her crevice through the thin material of her leggings while his
mouth pillaged her skin. Finally lips came to hover above hers, blue eyes
boring into brown. “A kiss...just a kiss.”
She couldn’t help it, the laugh that bubbled up carried a smoky, sensual edge.
“”And the rest of this?” Arms tightened just enough to lift her mouth closer,
changing the angle of contact and hitting the sweet spot in her crease,
eliciting a delighted whimper.
“Rain….” The first brush of lips was quick, a fleeting brush, taste of
forbidden sweetness that left his knees weak with hunger. “Jesus….” So
responsive, like a finely tuned erotic instrument in his hands. With her
clinging so close, he could slide his hands up waist and breast to cup
Arianna’s face in his hands. Nudging till it became an imperative, Chris
finally captured that ripe mouth. He tried to take it easy but she tasted like
caramel sweetness and with a muffled groan deepened the contact.
Trapped in a feverish heat, Arianna held nothing back. At the first probe of
his tongue, hers rose to meet his with an eagerness that astonished them both.
The exploration opened up another level of intimacy that staggered him and left
her shaking when they finally came up for air. Disoriented and in the grip of
extreme need, Chris looked down into her flushed face, kiss swollen lips parted
in stunned amazement and wanted to rend clothing till nothing stood between
them,all in a janitor’s closet on the common level.
That image pulled the seductive pulse of passion back a bit, allowing him to
release the grip on her and regain control enough to lower her feet back to the
floor. His arms though kept her close still, feel of curves against muscle too
delightful to let go of just yet. Instinct told him he’d be her first and Chris
would be damned if he’d ravage her in a damned hole, not when her wanton
response just begged for an hours long romp in his bed.
“What am I gonna do with you Rain?” The rumble of laughter shook them both, not
an amused sound but one of a man resigned to his fate and just realizing even
if he had it in him to call a halt there was no desire to stop this headlong
rush.
Leaning back, her answer got delivered with a wan smile, still reeling. “You
need suggestions?”
Fingers entangled in the ebon waves down her back, his expression going from
fierce passion to a resigned affection. “No, I need to slow down. I keep
forgetting…"
Before he could finish the sentence, Arianna put a hand over Chris’ mouth.
“Don’t say it.” She could tell from the emotion in the depth of his eyes just
what final words he’d nearly blurted out. “It doesn’t matter.” Still hung up on
age, on her father, on their place in this cold, sterile environment and how
this could possibly blow up in their faces. He still fought the idea that
Arianna just didn’t care. She wanted one thing with every fiber of her being
and damned if like everything else she set her mind to she’d get her way.
Exasperated, he still dipped down for a final brush of her mouth on his before
using his security access to make sure they got out clean. She headed to her
original destination, panties damp and knees weak with a single glance back.
Chris watched her go, ravenous need still in the depths of his gaze then went
the opposite way, back towards his quarters and a very cold shower.
***** Scenes from the Atrium *****
Chris was early, Hunter still back in his quarters changing. Inside the atrium
all was quiet save the hum of the air scrubbers, air feeling cool and slightly
damp due to the humidity controls that kept the pockets of vegetation green and
lush. Eager eyes searched till he found her on the mats in what had become
their corner and his stomach dropped while a bit lower other things began to
stir. No tank and exercise gear today, today a sports bra and clingy pants left
not a whit to the imagination. Every sinuous inch of Arianna’s body was
revealed by the stretchy fabric.
Barefoot, she pushed up into a forearm stand and straightened slowly, no hurry
in the serpentine flex of muscle and limb. A concave belly, swell of womanly
hips shifting as her back arched, effortlessly her feet moved till they nearly
touched the thick braid snaking over a bare shoulder.. Inside his head, the
voice of reason whimpered in defeat and wondered how long he’d last before
either tagging out and saving what little remained of his sanity or succumbing
to the temptation of such fine flesh.
That preoccupation is why Hunter managed to come up from behind and throw a man
punch at his buddy’s shoulder. “What, she not here?” Stepping around his
compatriot, what held his partner transfixed was revealed and the other male
whistled in appreciation. “Damn Ree, you gonna teach us that next?”
Arianna didn’t respond, just uncoiled and came to her feet with a silent grace.
Truth be told, she’d felt that hot stare well before Hunter opened his mouth
and made sure to take it nice and slow, drawing on every bit of wiry strength
to keep the flow provocative as hell. Cinnamon eyes sought out Chris first, the
heat in their depths matching the ravenous intensity in that blue gaze. Had
Hunter not been there, who knows where it would have gone but the third wheel
precluded anything but proper behavior and hands above the waistline.
But flirting wasn’t off the table and she gave both men a sly smile, arms
behind her back, feet perfectly aligned to show off the Nuka-Cola bottle
perfection of her curves. “You think you’re ready?”
Chris nudged Hunter forward, beginning to wish he’d worn some sort of
compression shorts since the lavish display continued to wreak havoc with
already disintegrating control. “He’s usually way ahead of himself so let him
try.”
Laughing, the petite female moved around them both and gave the tall blonde a
little shove with her hand, letting the touch linger till the warmth of his
body could be felt through the shirt. “Oh no big boy, you get to play too.
Besides it’ll be easier for you both since you have way more upper body
development than I do.”
Waving both men towards the side of the mats with a wall close, Arianna knelt
in a modified child’s pose, knees together and feet crossed demurely while both
got into position. Hunter managed a headstand fairly quickly but Chris
attempted the forearm stand and over compensated, swaying back and starting to
tumble. Shirt pooled up around his upper chest and partially obscuring his
face, she knew he didn’t see her come in for the save as fingers splayed on
ripped abdominals and back, the heat burning the flesh of her palms as the firm
pressure to keep him upright made her stomach contract in reaction.
Her thighs clenched as the core of her dampened, lust riding up from belly to
breast till nipples tightened under her top and becoming visible to the naked
eye. Unable to stop the sudden wave of excitement, Arianna let that hand on
Chris’ stomach move, a caressing slide that took her dangerously close to the
waistband of his pants. So much like that sparring ‘accident’ last week, the
surroundings faded and focus honed on the male so close she could smell sweat
and another more elusive perfume, intoxicating and a reminder of the workbench
tussel a few nights back.
As soon as Arianna settled in, Chris knew it wasn’t going to go his way. So
close her perfume tickled his nose and made an already erect shaft jump, he
attempted the distraction of going full out in practice and overbalanced. The
prospect of falling didn’t distress him, hell pain might distract him from
temptation within arms reach. He hadn’t counted on the attempt at saving his
ass and when her soft hands hit bare skin, the internal groan of longing echoed
in his head, drowning out anything else.
Situation wise, Chris was blind and trying to avoid falling while his eager
mind already had images of those fingers dipping further under clothing in a
deliberate enticement. When she actually started to caress till the tips of her
fingers teased the V of his hip, stomach muscles rippled in reflex and he
muttered ‘dammit’ under his breath. Bringing legs down, he rolled into a
sitting position similar to her own and blue eyes locked with that warm brown
stare.
Dawning realisation in both gazes as the pair realized the point of no return
had been weeks ago and this would end one way and one way only. The time frame
was the only variable and at the rate the heat kept flaring up it wouldn’t be
long before someone succumbed to temptation. Chris reached out this time, hand
falling on her knee and skimming upward, thumb a steady pressure on the inside
of her thigh as it crept upwards.
Hunter chose that moment to needle his compatriot, though the voice was
strained. “Ha, knew I was gonna kick your ass at this.”
That voice shattered the charged moment and she looked over at the other man,
trying to tame heart and mind as her own traitorous body couldn’t stop
vibrating with the closeness of her crush. A river between her legs dampened
the crotch of her panties and it took a few seconds to find her voice, trying
to find the playful tone while her hand covered Chris’, not in an attempt to
stop but to telegraph her willingness with a gentle tug upwards.
Taking a breath, Arianna attempted to lighten things up, to dispel the charged
resonance between her and Chris before anyone caught them. “Hunter you’re super
hairy, like way more than Chris. That mean you have back hair too?”
Chris exhaled the breath he’d been holding, reluctant to let loose the
meltingly erotic moment and feel of her firm flesh under his hand. He
understood though her struggle and let the glimmer of a smile appear. “You
should ask his girl of the month, Maryanne would probably know all that.”
Still oblivious, Hunter protested and started fighting the t-shirt round his
head, sending him sideways and right at Arianna’s head. “Hey….”
Chris’ lightning reflexes snagged the petite female and jerked her out of the
way before the other male could kick her in the temple, pulling her half across
his lap. The hand between her thighs shifted just a bit, scrape of his fingers
on mound at their juncture producing a wave of carnal need that made him close
his eyes and pray for release while she wanted nothing more than to grind into
those probing digits.
But they weren’t alone and things were spiraling out of control so Arianna kept
rolling till she ended up on her knees a full foot from Chris, flushed and with
a catch in her breath. As Hunter sat up she returned to her original position,
once again demure but the smile had lost the edge, now tremulous and a bit
confused as she broke Chris’ stare and forced a bit of a laugh. “Well, Maryanne
has been girl of the month for half the eligible boys in the vault so I’m sure
she knows a lot…I mean you should know that ” The winsome grin shot at Chris
spoke volumes as to who knew what vault gossip wise.
“ARIANNA…” The terse bark from general vicinity of the left bank of plants had
all three swiveling around to find James behind them at the entrance to the
Atrium, dressed for instruction and a thunderous expression on his face.
Startled, she looked at her father with a deer in the headlights stare, not
sure how much he’d seen and the terrifying churn of panic made her drop her
head.
“You know that kind of talk is inappropriate. I’ve told you before to keep your
own council.” A nod to the men and his hand waved for them to rise. “I take it
inversions aren’t going well. Since her center of gravity is different let me
demonstrate.”
Hunter glanced first at Ari, then at Chris with a touch of suspicion but got to
his feet. Chris had to wait a moment, rabid erection taking a bit to fade and
made regaining his footing look a little off balance. Thank god they’d gone in
shirt untucked or the Doc would have seen every inch of what his daughter did
to the security officer.
For once there was no witty retort, just Arianna moving off to the edge of the
mat and sitting quietly, trying to sooth raging emotions and keep her dark
fantasies from being seen by her father’s sharp eyes while Chris struggled with
the same.
***** Birthday Shenanigans *****
Chapter Summary
     Amata's party sets the tone for an interlude that they can't come
     back from
     songs
     Bad Guy, 3OH3
     Out of the Fire, Digital Daggers
Finally, Amata’s 17th and somehow Arianna had finagled the party planning away
from Jennifer Owens, the other bestie and if she was honest, someone better
suited for friend duty then she had been lately. It wasn’t that Ari and Amata
had issues but at times Amata acted her age and Arianna rarely found accurate
ways to communicate on the same level. While Jen and Amata put heads together
to giggle over boys and first kisses, Arianna currently had seducing a man on
her to do list because she’d gone past just dipping her toe into the lake of
sexual escapades, she’d jumped in head first. The pair just ended up on
divergent paths and while it stung a bit, Ari understood why with a maturity
that spoke to her father’s teachings.
So the upper atrium lounge had been decorated, some more adult refreshments
laid out since Arianna knew where the stockpiles of goodies were tucked in the
depths of storage. Making a last minute check of the layout, she turned to find
Butch, Paul and Freddy lingering in the center of the room between her and the
door. A perfectly sculpted brow shot up as a wry smile began to take shape.
“Wow. Not surprised you morons wandered in.” When one wandered too close to the
food set-up she stepped up to block.
“Of course, you did this for the Overseer’s brat? How’d you find this kinda
prize loot?” Butch reached around her for a shot at one of the appetizer trays
and without a hint of warning, Ari’s hand shot out and knocked his wrist back
with just enough force to make his fingers tingle.
Eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and rancour, she leaned in a bit so he
wouldn’t miss a word, sharp eyes catching Officer Wolfe lingering just outside
the doorway to the lounge. Back-up just in case it got ugly for a change. “It’s
for the party. And yes, you and this annoying little cadre of underachieving
assholes don’t need to drop by.”
Butch took a step but Paul’s hand snagged his friends elbow, apparently Arianna
wasn’t the only one who caught the Security Officer right outside the door.
Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the blue uniform with two coming up from the
lower level and backed off with a snarl. “Better watch it Rainy.” He dragged
Amata’s nickname for her out in a sneering growl. “You aren’t always gonna have
the boys in blue to save your ass.”
“Last time you had these odds Butch she didn’t need us if I remember
correctly.” Hunter moved in next to Wolfe, leaving Chris behind and to the
right. No way to miss the look of ferocity on his partner’s face when the scene
presented itself on the way up the stairs and Hunter figured safest route was
to keep as much distance as possible between the would be attackers and his
friend. He didn’t like the threat against the Doc’s daughter either but
pounding the hell out of the self named ‘Tunnel Snakes’ wouldn’t help their
already strained relationship with Chief Hanlon considering it was his son on
Butch’s left.
Sending Hunter a scathing sneer, Butch shook off Paul’s grip and motioned for
the boys to leave. “Don’t worry officer. I don’t make the same mistake twice.”
The three Security Officers watched the younger males leave before Wolfe nodded
and followed at a decent enough interval to make sure they didn’t double back.
Chris waited till the other officer was out of range before stepping past
Hunter and slipping a hand under Arianna’s chin, forcing her brown eyes to meet
blue. “Rain, I don’t like this at all. You make sure ……”
A husky laugh, followed by Arianna pulling his hand down to step up and brush
his lips with her own to stop his directive. “I’ll be fine. I gotta get ready.”
Her tangle of fingers in his lingered till she was out of reach. “Stop by if
you want.”
Hunter sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Doubt it, probably gonna be
in the brig because neither of you can keep shit undercover.” The sotto voice
didn’t carry any farther than his partner.
Chris kept his eyes on her till she disappeared down the stairs to the lower
level before rounding on Hunter. “You worry too much.” A half smile faded as he
mulled over the scene. “You don’t think he was serious…”
“Butch? I’d lay odds on it.” He followed Chris’ stare with a frown of his own.
“She’s not shy about pushing people’s buttons and those assholes just seem to
beg for it. He’s probably looking for a way to level the playing field.”
The pair started to move back the way they’d came, Chris’ forehead furrowed.
“And if what she said downstairs is true, no-one’s gonna stop him.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Usually a haven of quiet and serenity, tonight the atrium had a totally
different vibe. Lights from the lounge lit up the ceiling and first floor with
flashes of blue and gold while the bass from the musical selection currently
playing subtly vibrated everything within a hundred feet in all directions.
                           Now there once was a man
                           Who was tall and handsome
                           The best shot in the land
                        Not to mention good at dancing
                             A hit with the ladies
                        A heartthrob with the daughters
Youth dominated the center of the room, an impromptu dance floor full of
budding, adolescent bodies on the edge of adulthood writhing with the beat, the
older adults around the edges with glasses or plates in hand. Most seemed
relaxed, enjoying the level of refreshments Arianna had cribbed together and
making small talk. The Overseer, Chief Hanlon and James stood in a knot,
glasses in hand and watching with varying levels of approval, confusion and a
touch of antipathy.
“The music?” Alphonso looked to James who chuckled.
He was careful not to mention the source when he explained it. “A relic Arianna
got as a gift.”
The Overseer nodded. “Not to my taste but they seem to be enjoying it.” He
found his daughter in the throng of kids and the expression on his face
lightened, love for his child evident in the usually stern lines. “Thank her
for me. I couldn’t have planned a better birthday for her.” A hand waved to
encompass the room. “This will be a benchmark for the next one.”
James smiled into his scotch and watched his own offspring, pride in the
response. “I will.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the other side of the atrium, Chris lounged at one of the tables, nearly
invisible in the darkness thanks to his uniform and introspective, much like
James had been the night the three played pool. A glass of his own sat at his
elbow, bottle close as he followed Arianna’s gyrating form on the dance floor.
Seductive, nubile, clad much like the birthday girl in a much more form
revealing outfit of black skirt slit to mid thigh on both sides and a tank of
some shiny material. She and Amata stood out, both in style and energetic
movements as a trio of boys fought for their attention. While Amata flirted
back Arianna seemed oblivious, too caught up in the music and her own little
world to really care. It made her an even more elusive prize and one, a tall
one he thought was named Thomas or something, grind a bit more determined
behind her, earning a scathing glance and a push off with her hand on his shirt
front.
A one sided smile twisted his mouth but the gleam of his eyes held just a hint
of melancholy. Never had the difference seemed so profound. When they were
together, when things went too far it was easy to forget the age difference,
her youth to his jaded adult, the quick mind made up for it to some extent but
the brutal truth lay there in the ease of her flow among the teens. What the
hell were they doing? How long would it last and would giving her up after
whatever end game she had in mind played out be possible?
Hunter came up from the left, dropping into the other chair and pulling the
glass towards him to take a pull. “What, you don’t wanna go join in?”
Blue eyes never wavered from the party tableau but Chris managed to snag his
bourbon back, shaking his head. “Not really. Besides me tossing Thomas there
over the railing would put a bit of damper on things.”
“Trent.” Hunter just wrapped his fingers around the bottle this time and took
another drink out of it. “The guy grinding on your girl is Trent. She doesn’t
seem interested.” Almost as if he could read minds, he looked over a Chris with
a frown. “Tell me something. You and I have been friends since that age…”
Hunter waved at the packed room across the way. “And I’ve had your back but
where is it going between you and Raina? I can’t begin to guess her motivations
but I can’t miss yours. Right now you got it bad and she’s just upping the
stakes every time you’re in the same room together.” Sighing he took another
drink. “How far are you gonna let it go?”
Chris swirled the amber liquid, the pungent aroma thick before tossing the
remainder back and indicating his buddy come up with a refill. “I don’t know.
She’s um…..” The sound he made sounded like a cross between a laugh and a groan
of dismay. “Persistent. And responsive with a carnal innocence that’s
intoxicating. It’s like I’m addicted and it’s only getting worse. Maybe once I
succumb and get it out of my system…”
Laughing quietly in the cavernous room so it didn’t echo, Hunter poured two
fingers in Chris’ glass. “Like you’re going to get a taste of that and get
bored after a few tussles? I doubt it.” He took another drink, this time a much
longer swallow. “Who knows, maybe she’ll feel the same and you two can white
picket fence it. It’s not unheard of, pairing off at that age.”
Chris found her again, talking to her father as the rest of the party moved
around them like an organic flow. He’d have scoffed a month ago at the idea but
the thought of her permanently in his bed and at his side seemed much more
tantalizing. “Maybe.”
Standing, Hunter grabbed the bottle and yanked on Chris’ collar. “Alright,
enough of this deep shit, lets go. Poker at my quarters.”
Chris followed his companion with one last look back, just a touch of longing
in his eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The party had come off fabulously, kudos from all but to Arianna it felt flat,
like a worn image of something that should have been more brilliantly shaded.
Amata gushed the entire way back to their respective quarters but while her
friend swore bed couldn’t be more welcome, she felt an odd restlessness. Chris
and Hunter had been absent, probably working but still, Arianna had come to
enjoy the wry wit and teasing between the three members of their funky little
group and hanging out with her own age had been boring. Didn’t help with Trent
grinding his undersized, prepubescent manhood all over her ass every time
they’d been on the dance floor. The fact she hadn’t decked him was a miracle,
it just served to remind her of who wasn’t there and much more bewitching
interludes to be had with a very tall, blond hotness in uniform.
With sleep proving elusive, Ari gave up and changed into exercise togs,
clipping a much more streamlined pip-boy to her wrist with a decisive snap. A
run might assist in quelling her churning mind and slipping past her father’s
darkened bedroom she headed towards the fitness level.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The music pulsed from the open archway, much like the atrium lounge earlier but
the time, so damned late. He knew that music. Chris did a sideways two step and
caught himself before bouncing off the metal wall and on the rebound changed
course. The bottom area, weights and video rooms with various classes had a
stillness only lack of humanity could bring . The upper level though, where the
full sized track circled around an open floor exercise area held a single
occupant, running with purpose and in time to the blaring music only one vault
resident had access too. A thick ponytail bounced along with her gait and even
though he stood at the top of the stairs and a few hundred feet away, he could
see the sheen of sweat on her skin. He should have turned around right there
and kept plodding along to his quarters but the way she moved, the liquid grace
and knowledge of just how sweet Rain tasted made self-preservation peel away in
a wave of drunken lust, leaving just the rawness of his need.
Unsteady but determined, Chris made it to one of the loungers on the side of
the track and sprawled, heated gaze eating up every delectable inch of her ripe
young body as it bounced lap after lap. Misgivings from earlier evaporated the
longer he observed her, drinking her in.
It took Arianna a few moments to catch him there but as soon as she saw that
blond head she jogged over to the synthesizer and grabbed a electrolyte
replacement before wandering over to drop next to him. “Hey..”
“Party didn’t tire you out?” Well into the inebriated stage of his evening,
Chris’ voice seemed lower, a bass rumble in his chest. “Or fending off Trent?”
Even as the words left his mouth, there was no stopping the purge of possessive
envy till her silence ground it to a halt.
Lowering the bottle in her hand, cinnamon eyes narrowed while wheels purred in
her head, intent expression fading as facts began to sort in neat, orderly
fashion. Lips curled in a impish smile. “Oh, you were around then.” Setting the
drink down on the table, Arianna stood and climbed onto his lap, straddling
hips and settled her bottom on his thighs. A serpentine wiggle or two and
bodies made contact on an intimate level, her sex over a growing erection as
she lounged on the wide expanse of Chris’ chest, arms snaking around his neck.
“Would have prefered it was you behind me.” Whether or not Arianna was
deliberately prick teasing or legitimately flirting at the moment remained up
in the air.
Groaning he made a half assed effort to push her off but only succeeded in
cinching her body tighter into his own, heat of her core an inferno on his
already aching bulge. “Rain, listen I’m..”
“Slightly drunk?” She cut him off with a throaty laugh. “Libido rising?”
Chris couldn’t contain the chuckle. “Sorry I mentioned Trent. You looked like
you had your hands full.” Despite best intentions, the whiskey urged him to
reach out and make contact, fingers curling up and over her shapely derriere, a
push sending hips rolling and sliding.
Inside her shoes, toes curled as the friction between them sent a pulse of
warmth from top to bottom and inflamed an ongoing ache between her legs that
bordered on painful. Leaning back, brown clashed with blue as the pair realized
just what a sharp edge they balanced on.
“Rain…” Chris gripped her tighter for a second then flexed his hands, last
thing he’d ever do was hurt her, even inadvertently. “We need to stop.” Brave
word considering he did the opposite, controlling her movement and sending her
rocking again, suspending them both in a surge of heat that send her head down
to rest on his shoulder, soft keening moan of pleasure from her that made his
hands shake.
The song changed, the more melodic strains bringing a breathy laugh from the
female so close he could feel each rise and fall of her breasts. “I love this
song...reminds me of you.”
                    Your siren's calling, it's so inviting
                       Your battle cries are hypnotizing
                             I'm under your spell
                              From heaven to hell
                         The in between is so enticing
Husky, barely audible, Arianna’s mouth ghosted Chris’, murmuring lyrics between
drugging kisses till instinct swallowed both whole. No more thought, no more
dissection of motives and emotions, just that innate drive for completion.
Arianna followed the press of her crush’s palms, body a supple undulation, pace
set by the ever increasing drive for release. Panties slick, her sports bra
bunched up under her arms, freeing breasts to his avid hands, she rode the
sensations with no misgivings as tension began to build at the point of
contact.
The words murmured against his mouth, the ravaging heat of her kisses and
nubile body had pushed everything out of his mind save taking them both over
the edge. Even late hours didn’t change the fact they were in a common area and
open to anyone who walked into the fitness area. Didn’t matter that they lacked
the final step of penetration, this had been at the heart of every fantasy,
every fevered wet dream for months. She was here, her form exposed to his hands
and urges, awash in a frenzied desire that had only one outlet.
Kittenish moans muffled in Chris’ shoulder, Arianna’s movements became erratic
and she started to pull away but his hand pushed her back into the cadence,
lips next to her ear in the softest of whispers. “I have you, let go. ” Her one
moment of lucidity vanished in complete trust in the man who held her, melting
back into the pace with a growing weight in her nether regions. He too fell
into the tempo, wanting the interlude to last but the pressure of impending
climax made control fray till there was nothing but the drive to bring them
both over the edge. The erotic dance became frantic and Arianna lay poised on a
precipice. Muscles in her thighs tensed as she fought against the wave till
there was nothing to stop her from falling. She smothered the cry in the fabric
of his shirt, teeth sinking into muscle as her body convulsed in waves of white
hot pleasure.Chris barely held on a second longer before he too succumbed, arms
crushing her close as he too lost the battle and ground against her, climax
roaring in his ears as his groan got muffled in the curve of her throat.
The pair stilled, release leaving both limp and incapable of anything save a
snuggle closer as the tide of bliss receded. Arianna settled with a wiggle and
a sleepy yawn, her shift making Chris chuckle. “Rain, what the hell am I gonna
do with you?” His lips grazed the soft spot under her ear, making her shudder
and giggle just as quietly.
“This, like again and again.” Her fingers played with the hair at the nape of
his neck, eyes closed as fatigue began to seep in. Well, now she was tired
which had been the idea behind the run to begin with. Now getting back to her
quarters under her own power seemed a bit dubious so she cuddled closer and
told herself ‘five more minutes’.
Chris seemed just as inclined to stay immobile, orgasm sapping what little
energy he had motored up to this level on. His grip on her loosened, hands
moving over her back in a soothing rotation. “I wish beautiful. I’d like
nothing better.” They sat there for awhile, a mess of tangled limbs till a
strident voice from below brought her head up with a ‘you have to be kidding’
look at her partner in crime.
“Chris, you up there?” Hunter knew the music and part of him hoped the few
moments he gave whoever up there was enough to unclench and go to separate
corners.
A lingering kiss as she slid off his lap and tugged her bra and shirt back into
place, Arianna turned to face the direction the yell had came from, giving
Chris a moment to arrange himself as well, proof of ejaculation and her own
release in the damp stains on both sets of clothing. His shirt had missed most
of it and he yanked it down over his lap and sat forward, the spin of the room
increasing at the change of position. She turned back at the groan that escaped
and couldn’t hide the slight curve of amusement in her smile. “Still processing
that alcohol baby?”
Hunter heard the last bit and complained sotto voice as he rounded the last
corner to reveal who he’d suspected to begin with. “Dammit. I knew it as soon
as I heard that crap you play in the lounge.” Watchful eyes went from one face
to the next, not missing flushed cheeks and too bright eyes, finally coming to
rest on Chris. “You just can’t stop yourself.”
The man in question just flipped him off as he reclined back, making sure to
keep the clothing discrete. Unfortunately Hunter wasn’t in the same mood,
flashing a frown in her direction. “You had sex didn’t you. Can’t keep it…”
“Hey!” Arianna’s cry stopped the flow of words. “We didn’t….”
Chris laughed, head rolling to keep the other two in his line of sight. “Not
really, more halfway almost sex.”
“Oh my god.” Reaching out, Ari slapped Chris in the shoulder but the affection
for him made it less outraged, more playful. “Discretion too much for you?”
Hunter moved around Arianna to Chris’ side, careful not to bump into the
treacherous female and started to pull his buddy to his feet. “This is all your
fault Raina. You’re not exactly resisting.”
Arianna punched Hunter in the shoulder, loosening his grip on Chris and
staggering the pair. “Exactly what are you implying?”
“What do you think I’m implying?” Hunter went in to help again. “You’re a
stalker.” He got another punch in the arm, this one with a touch more force and
sending him sideways onto the couch next to Chris.
“You two keep this up I’m positive I’ll throw up.” Chris groused and started to
pull away from Hunter. “Just leave me here…”
James, drawn by the music heard the last two sentences and the echo of his feet
on the metal stairs couldn’t be missed by the three on the upper deck. Rounding
the corner, Arianna stood with arms crossed over her chest, glaring at both
men, anything to keep from meeting her father’s sharp gaze so soon after her
erotic interlude. “I take it you need some help?” So many questions but he’d
corner his daughter later.
Hunter could feel a noose tightening around his neck as the Doc appeared,
wondering just how they’d pull this off with his partner too tipsy to control
himself and the only female with that after sex softness to her expression
every time she looked that direction. “Yes sir. He had a bit too much and she’s
too short.”
Between the pair, they managed to get Chris up on his feet and down to the
personnel level without running into anyone else, Arianna on their heels and
constructing the lie her father would hear as soon as they returned to their
quarters.
***** Paranoia *****
Chapter Summary
     The vault is beginning to unravel slowly, one thread at a time and
     it's time to choose who side they're on.
Something in the atrium was blooming. The rich sweetness ran in intervals in
time with the fans, the cloying scent in short bursts almost unpleasant as
Arianna, Hunter and Chris went thru a series of nerve slides, Ari in the lead,
the other two doing their best to imitate her lithe flexibility. Without her
father there, two of the three had been subtly playing, a touch here, smothered
snicker there while Hunter just sighed in disgust and chastised occasionally.
James’ arrival killed that vibe quickly and the three were all business as they
started to roll through both left and right forms. Speed and accuracy was a
thousand times better than when the men had started, something their lead
instructor noticed with a small nod of approval. “You both have come a long way
since the beginning. I’m impressed Arianna.”
He gave all three a weather eye then pulled his daughter back out of harm's
way. “You two, best of three.” Hunter and Chris moved into position and began
to spar. Well matched, neither did much damage but there was a drive to come
out on top, a push to win that made the struggle impressive. Hunter got the
first knockdown, but Chris dominated the rest, doing a victory fist pump that
made his partner snort in laughter.
“Don’t celebrate too much. Winner gets her…” Hunter jerked a thumb at the
slender female now sitting on one of the planter walls, kicking her feet with a
grin on her face at his choice of words.
Chris gave Hunter a withering stare. “Really?” The sotto voice comment was
below where James could hear but both understood why the petite girl was on the
verge of giggles.
Shaking his head, James approached and gave both males tips on how to avoid the
mistakes he’d seen then asked Arianna for her input, which was basically the
same. That done, he waved her into the area they’d claimed for practice. “You
against both of them.” All three turned and stared in surprise. This was a
first for sparring, uneven odds and something none had done up till now, even
the nubile daughter but she moved into position with a shrug.
It started slow, almost lighthearted as the three danced and parried, speed
coming with comfort but it still looked more like a frolic and less like a
fight. James started in from the sidelines like a coach, shouting either
encouragement or pushing the men into a more aggressive stance. “Dammit, just
hit her.”
Hunter took it to heart and got bolder, blows beginning to make a difference in
her defence. Chris though, he still went in for a clinch, feelings perhaps
making him unwilling to cause much damage. Arianna for the moment was holding
her own against them, challenge a touch less than going up against the man
watching. Growling, James stepped into the fray with an odd look in his eyes.
Ari caught her father in the peripheral and turned to block a blow but missed
the kick, sending her back on her ass with a stunned glance before flipping to
her feet. Jaw set with determination, brown eyes narrowed slightly as she tried
to ready for the next flurry. Both men had stepped back, just as confused and
slightly alarmed.
“No, you’re thinking too much. React and allow instinct to guide you.” Slate
blue eyes pinned both men in turn. “You two, quit messing around and take her
down.” With that, the assault began. She was having to move fast to keep up,
trying to dodge a trio of timed blows instead of two and Arianna struggled till
limbs found a rhythm.
James knew the moment his daughter slipped into the zone, her control still
there but the males began to struggle to keep her from connecting. Repulse
monkey , Chris’ sidearm attack pushed back till he staggered, using his lack of
balance to send him careening into her father. Hunter came from behind, locking
her arms up but Arianna just smashed her skull back in reverse, the only thing
stopping her noggin from hitting his nose was the quick jerk back of his own
head. Chris staggered up for a frontal attack and legs came up to chest height,
every bit of strength in the thrust that bounced her almost lover into the
padded wal, sending him down to one knee. A twist of her body, forearms
snapping the painful embrace with a grunt. She collapsed with a roll, grabbing
Hunter’s wrists while placing her foot in his crotch to send him sailing
overhead, narrowly missing his buddy in the process. Arianna then rounded on
her father, the two exchanging punch and parry in a blur as sheer tenacity
pushed her onward till James landed a blow to the ribcage, sending her down but
not before she foot swept him onto his back and moved in for needle at sea
bottom.
“Uncle sweetheart, uncle.” Laughing but out of breath, he wrapped his fingers
around her fist and pulled her into a half seated bear hug. “That is what I
wanted to see.” A chance glance upward made the smile fade as he motioned for
her to stand and nodded to the three men on the upper balcony.
Chris, Hunter and Arianna all craned necks upward, varying expressions but all
held on single commonality, chagrin as the identity of their audience became
apparent, Overseer Almodovar, Security Chief Hannon and Officer O’Brian, a
vicious, unthinking man who delighted in inflicting pain whenever he could in
the course of his job. Almodovar’s expression was hooded but he too nodded at
the group. “Well done, all of you. I’ve never seen this sort of recreation
before. Carry on.” About to leave, he turned at the last second. “Sebastian and
Morgan, report to me when this is concluded.” The little knot of men
disappeared, leaving the ones on the lower level quiet for a long moment.
“Shit.” Hunter broke the silence first, albeit with a winded effect thanks to
his landing and privates, finally regaining his footing with a ill-humored
glare in Arianna’s direction.
Chris nodded in agreement. “Not gonna disagree.” Already misgivings were
knotting up his stomach as his gaze slid to Arianna, impressed by her
performance but fairly certain the overseer wouldn’t choose the same phrasing.
Arianna had already shrugged it off, giving both men a grin tinged with cheeky
humor. “Ready for another go round?”
Her father had the same cranky look the boys did, laying a hand on her shoulder
and holding her back. “No. I think we’re done for the day. Gentlemen, good luck
with your boss.” Fingers gripped her tighter when she made a move to pull away.
“Arianna, let’s go.” His tone brooking no argument, the pair headed back down
the hallway, Arianna giving both men a wave before rounding the corner out of
sight.
Hunter finally managed to stand upright, face drawn down into worried lines.
“I’m not sure who’s in more trouble, us or them.”
Chris meanwhile was watching the other two go, only shifting focus when they
were gone. “I’m still shocked she fought like that. That was….”
“Fuckin’ crazy is what it was. I’d hate to take one of those punches when she’s
really pissed. I think it’d leave a hole.” Hunter finished the sentence and
began to move towards the entrance the others had disappeared through.
Chris’ mouth twisted into a half grin. “I’d like to see her land one on one of
Butch’s crew.” There was a hint of pride in his tone.
Hunter shook his head and started to drag his compatriot out of the atrium.
“Come on, lets get this over with.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James finished notes on a chart then gave Stanley a pat on the back. “You need
more rest. Do that and the headaches and eye strain will abate.” Unlocking the
med unit, he fished a bottle of aspirin out and passed it along with a note
sheet folded in half. “I’m loathe to give you any more after this friend. Talk
to the Overseer about lessening the workload.” He knew it wouldn’t happen but
he had to do his duty, offering advice that fell on deaf ears.
Other ears though perked up and a dark head swiveled to face the pair across
the lab. “Hey Stanley. Give me about half an hour and I’ll come down to pick up
some slack. Maybe if we push you can get off a bit earlier and head home for
dinner with the family.”
Arianna ignored the stern look her father graced her with, instead accepting
Stanley’s thanks with a wide grin.
“You bet Miss Arianna. You have a touch when it comes to the filtration systems
lately.” Waving, he headed back out, shoving the pill bottle in his pocket
after palming two and swallowing them dry with a grimace.
James waited till the door hissed shut before rounding on his daughter. “I
thought we agreed you would be staying closer to home.”
She blinked owlishly then turned back to the task at hand, organizing the
various drawers in the lab, again. “No dad, you decided I needed to stay close.
I’m bored.” Slamming the bottom drawer shut with a clang, Arianna stood and
stared into her father’s face, expression showing just a touch of irritation.
“By the way, the calculations Jonas was working on, there was a coefficient
error. I fixed it and re-ran the numbers. New values are on the sheet under
it.” When he didn’t respond, she made a move to brush past him into the outer
room of the clinic.
Quick fingers snagged her arm, spinning Arianna around to face all six plus
feet of her father’s disapproval. “Young lady, I’ve always taken the easy road
with you. I know this place isn’t perfect, I know you’re struggling to find a
niche that fits but those two men...it’s inappropriate…”
A twist while pulling against his thumb and she broke the hold, taking a step
to the side to avoid another grab. “If it was Trent would you be saying the
same thing?”
“Arianna! You were out past curfew with them and both had obviously been
drinking. Do you have any idea how much could have happened? How much could
have gone wrong?” Looking into her face, seeing the same fire her mother had
shown when they clashed over something, James felt the persistent pang of
regret that Catherine wasn’t there return full force. Being a father was hard
enough but without the feminine input he realized the willful, wild child
standing toe to toe with him was having to navigate the hardest part of being
human without a woman to talk to. As a physician he could only do so much but
at this, this he failed at because the irrational, savage need to protect was
the first inclination.
“Seriously, they’re security and have more integrity than the rest of that
department combined.” Her hand came to rest on his arm, walking in to snuggle
up to his side. “Dad, you made sure I learned to never let anything hold me
back, not age, not size and not the fact I’m a girl. You said whatever I wanted
was within reach if I tried hard enough.” Up on tiptoe she pressed her lips to
his cheek in the sweetest kiss. “I’ll be fine.”
His arms enveloped her in a bear hug and for a moment regretted that she’d
grown so fast, wishing they could go back to when she was ten and her world
centered around him. He loved her independence but worried that it would bring
more pain than pleasure. “Things have been getting tense though darling. I
don’t want you to become a target. Promise you’ll be careful and less of an
instigator.”
Laughing, Arianna hugged him back. “I’ll be good daddy.” Another energetic kiss
and she was gone, off to the auxiliary hallways to where Stanley was hard at
work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clad in the same vault utility suit as before, this time with it zipped up all
the way instead of wearing the upper half like a belt, Arianna lay on her back,
hands deep in one of the filtration motors and swearing softly. Damned things
had been jury rigged so many times that there were more bypasses than actual
mechanical bits. Three more turns and the new circuit board clicked into place,
making the unit hum instead of the odd gargle it had started to present every
time it turned on. “Hey Stanley...I did it.” Looking around when a door closed
with a thump, two sets of black work boots appeared on the other side of the
unit she was working in.
Unfortunately, it was easier to get into the thing than get out and when she
jerked her arms back to start sliding out, a protruding bit of metal frame tore
into the outside edge of her palm, leaving a furrow that seeped crimson. A
sinuous twist brought her to her knees, wounded hand cradled carefully to keep
blood from dripping into the machine’s innards. Two familiar faces stared as
she gained her footing, her own lips curling into an ecstatic grin. “Damn,
twice in one day.” She gave Hunter a one armed hug and turned to Chris with an
impish smile and hungry eyes.
He wasn’t looking at her face though, his focus was on her hand and the red
rivulets tracking into the cuff of her coveralls. “Come on Rain.” Chris sounded
oddly flat as he sat in the closest chair and pulled her into his lap, holding
the injured limb up to avoid contact. “Hunter, the first aid kit.” As they
waited, his head dropped, inhaling the scent of her while nuzzling the softness
of her throat.
Hunter handed the slim, white box over and leaned against the bigger machine..
“You must have ignored…”
A stern scowl from Chris silenced the rest of the comment. Tenderly cradling
her hand in his larger one, the security officer began cleaning the seeping
gash without a word.
Didn’t matter, Arianna hadn’t missed a single cue in the wordless byplay.
“Okay...one of you spill. You’re down here off duty looking for me. What the
hell is going on?”
The men exchanged a look but it was Chris who answered as he used the cryo
stitches to bind the last of the cut. “Nothing you need to worry about. We’re
gonna head over to talk to your father after dinner.”
Fighting to free his grip enough to get both men in view, Arianna’s voice had
an almost frantic edge. “No….nooooo you can’t go to my father until you tell me
what the hell is going on. I’ll never see the outside of my quarters at this
rate.” Those liquid mahogany eyes sought out the blue of her helpful nurse.
“Come on you know I’m right.”
Hunter caved like a paper doll. “Overseer’s cancelled all training and we were
warned…”
“HUNTER” Chris’ roar made the slender figure on his lap wince but his partner
remained unfazed.
Holding up his hand, Hunter kept going. “No Chris. She needs to know.” Moving
to crouch within touching distance of the pair, he grabbed Arianna’s free hand.
“Raina, Overseer Almovodar….”
Chris just stood up and set her on her feet, breaking contact and giving his
friend a not-so-friendly push. “Grab what we brought and let’s head
downstairs.”
The low growl brooked no argument and the threesome slipped down to the reactor
level with no encounters. Ari activated her security programs and palmed the
biometric locks to open the refrigerator compartment in the desk. “Knock
yourselves out.” Pulling cups off the shelf in the corner, she slopped hefty
drams of scotch in all three before going to snag her chair. Chris beat her to
it, booze in hand and once again she found herself settled in the lap of a six
foot, four inch all muscle cushion with an iron grip around her waist.
Chris, content with his prize, nodded at Hunter. “Now finish. No one to
overhear.”
Hunter meanwhile was separating the contents of two boxes on to plates on the
battered worktable, passing them around before posting up on the stool from the
first go round. “So, Almodovar praised the initiative in training but has his
doubts about the usefulness so it’s to stop.” He glared at her over the rim of
his cup. “And considering how my jewels are feeling right now, I’m not going to
complain.”
Winding her fingers around Chris’, the giggle that escaped sounded muffled
thanks to the cup she sipped out of. “Like I said when we started all this,
make sure the opponent can’t get back up.” Her amusement faded and she patted
Hunter’s forearm. “I’m sorry though, it was heat of the moment stuff. Nothing
you’ve done so far made me want to crush your testicles.”
A choked out laugh from behind her as Chris did his best not to cough out the
liquid in his mouth. Hunter lightened up and let a half smile escape. “I like
the fact you think I’m eventually gonna deserve it.” The grin faded. “But
between us something’s up. The overseer seems really keen on keeping you on a
short leash.”
“I think it’s to keep the Doc under control.” Chris chimed in from above her,
still basking in the heat of her body and soft weight. Hunter was doing a bang
up job of editing the conversation between them and the overseer so he was
enjoying a moment that might be the last of its kind for awhile. Both had left
the meeting with a queasy feeling, the implications and half spoken threats
like a cloud over the usually lighthearted banter the three often shared.
Truthfully helping Doc Talos lock her down seemed like the best plan but
considering just how well she’d listened to advice thus far, it seemed like the
one destined to fail.
Arianna reached over to the plate of sandwiches and snagged one before falling
back onto Chris’ chest, chewing thoughtfully before piping up. “It might be.
Not like I’m doing anything obvious.”
It took Hunter a few minutes to stop laughing. “Not obvious. Jesus Raina you
know more of what goes on here than the overseer. You hacked the G.O.A.T.,
humiliated the biggest pain in the ass multiple times and have probably
violated every security protocol Almodovar put into place when he took over.
You’re right. You’re a model vault citizen.”
“Not to mention this.” Chris lifted his arm and dragged her delicate wrist up
with it, exposing the modified pip-boy. “This is how you wander in and out
around here isn’t it.”
Munching, one limb elevated, she watched him with an owlish stare till her
mouth was empty, a faint stain of pink on her cheeks. “Maybe. I mean it was
bulky and kinda unattractive so I just fixed it up a bit.” Her free shoulder
lifted then dropped in a half shrug. “I really need constant stimulation or I
get bored.”
“I’m leaving that one alone.” Hunter’s tone was wry as he finished his lunch
and shook what was left in the box of crisps into his mouth.
Chris let her arm drop and nuzzled her ear. “So, tell me.” His voice was low,
whisper soft. “What can you do with it? If I wanted to find you lets say…”
Her eyes narrowed but Arianna didn’t push him away. “You’d have the same luck
dad does. It shows where I am if I want to be found…”
“If not?” Hunter was transfixed.
“Then it randomly pings from different locations at indiscriminate time
intervals under 30 minutes.” She gave both males a sly glance. “I can also
communicate much like you security guys IF you allow me to modify your units. I
just need the PN numbers and a few moments to tweak some settings”
Chris’ head dropped into her the crook of her neck. “Rain, did you override the
security features?” His tone held a touch of incredulity.
Her dark head bobbed an assent. “Well, yeah. Like I need those security asshats
looking over my shoulder 24/7.”
The pair groaned almost in unison, muttering a variety of swear words till
Arianna’s peals of laughter brought scrutiny back where it belonged. A hand
cupped her chin and dragged her face up to his, exasperation in every line of
his face. “Did you ever think your absence on security logs might just be
noticable?”
Confused, she pushed his hand away and stood up. “Like I’m that slow. It’s the
same set up as my father’s when I don’t want company. Completely random
locations.” Walking over to where the bottle of scotch sat, Arianna poured
herself another dram. “I’m far from stupid thank you. I’ve been running rings
around all of you for years.”
Chris slammed his cup down on the desk and stood, yanking Arianna’s out of her
hand and lifting her with barely contained ferocity. Her butt hit the worktable
where the booze and food sat with an audible thump, his fingers digging into
her jaw and forcing her face up till they were nose to nose. “I am very aware
of what a wild child you are, having the run of the place with little thought
to consequences but the last few incidents have brought you to the wrong
people’s attention.”
Letting her go, he engaged the biometric on his pip-boy and handed it to her.
“Do what you need to. I just need to know where you are all the time. None of
that shit you pull with your dad.”
Arianna’s brows drew together as she looked at the unit in her hand. “I don’t
know.”
Another unit appeared in her field of view. “ You’re not safe Raina, don’t
think that because you see a blue uniform that somehow you’ll get help.The only
thing keeping you remotely protected is your friendship with Amata.” Hunter
looked at Chris and raised an eyebrow.
Chris knew the answer to the silent question his friend posed and gave a slight
shake of his head. No point in telling a still young girl that one of security
had volunteered to take care of the problem in the most horrific ways or stand
by while he and Hunter did it cause he liked to watch.
The words took a moment to filter through, confusion because of all the
possible outcomes this had never entered her mind. “Come on, you can’t be
serious.” The sober bent of the men and her own knowledge from hacking the
overseer’s files forced a conclusion that made a bit of bile rise in her
throat. “Okay...okay. But not the last part. “ She took a breath to keep her
head together, to force some levity to keep things from getting too heavy to
handle. “I’ll set up the same access Dad has as well as comm links but if you
wanna follow me I get to follow you.”
Hunter laughed but shook his head. “Hell no. I gotta have a few secrets for
myself.”
Chris, who’s hand had been tangled in the thick waves of hair at the back of
her head, maneuvered her mouth up for a delicate brush of a kiss. “Whatever you
want. I want to know where you are all the time.”
Extricating herself and hopping down to the floor, Arianna pulled a few things
from the toolbox in the corner and started working, mind moving faster than her
fingers were. Trust in whatever they had together just increased tenfold,
Chris’ capitulation both a secret thrill and a stomach wrenching drop. It meant
things had gotten complicated and she’d missed it.
A few tweaks, a few moments of typing and file sharing and Arianna returned the
units, showing both men how the link-up worked. Hunter seemed the most taken
with the now open communication coupling. “Damn what I wouldn’t have done for
this during Brotch’s classes.”
Chris shook his head, exasperated and tugged on a tendril of hair just over
Arianna’s ear. “These secure? No one can hear us?”
Favoring him with a sly grin, she nodded. “Yeah, and if you can’t talk, a
virtual keyboard pops up and you just enter text.” The smile faded as once
again her feet left the floor and Chris plopped her down on the same spot. His
mouth devoured hers, a greedy attack that left her whimpering and clinging like
a limpet to the arms around her, thighs locked tight around his hips.
Behind them, Hunter snorted in disbelief. “Jesus you two need to get a room.”
Breaking the sensual communion took every bit of willpower he possessed,
staring down into the delightful lines of her face, expression of need in
mahogany eyes a reflection of the hunger in his own. “Let’s keep our distance
for a bit. Let things cool down.” His mouth found her ear, whisper soft comment
for her only. “It’s going to be harder for me than it is you beautiful. Trust
me.”
Placing her gently on her feet, he motioned for all of them to get moving.
“Now, lets go before anyone notices all of us gone at once.”
***** Completion *****
Chapter Summary
     They finally take it to the next level but how long will it last
     before events tear them apart?
They lasted two weeks.
Two entire weeks of dodging one another, changing direction when the other
advanced and making sure eyes didn’t meet accidentally at whatever function
they happened to attend together. That included cafeteria dining to the
occasional game in the atrium, though lack of players had basically hamstrung
the baseball leagues since Butch’s Tunnel Snakes had decided baseball sucked
and their members were age perfect for the teams.
And it started innocently enough, another radroach infestation in the lower
levels had security scrambling since the maintenance levels, which were often
point of entry, had no weapons save a few heavy tools and a lot of attitude. A
six-man team was en route to the lower levels, thump of that many boots making
the walls vibrate as they half jogged, half ran with both guns and
flamethrowers at the ready. Most of maintenance had already evacuated, a few
hardy ones staying back to watch the excitement, including Arianna and Stanley.
Leaning against a door jam, the usual half on/half off untility jumpsuit and
green tank a bit grungy with the cutest anime ponytails on each side of her
head, Arianna watched them go with a wry, amused look on her face. She gave
Chris a kissy moue as he jogged past, which made Hunter thump his partner in
the bicep to keep focus.
“Thought you two were keeping things cool.”
Chris looked thru the plexi of his helmet with a grin. “That was cool. I looked
fuckin’ amazingly cool.”
Hunter rolled his eyes, grunting in what sounded suspiciously like disgust.
“You need to loosen up those straps friend. You might be cutting off some blood
to the brain.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once past maintenance, the hallway narrowed into a dim corridor flooded with
red emergency lights. The thrum of the reactor seemed to echo, the vault’s
heartbeat down this far into the bowels of the instillation, making it hard to
hear the threat till they were literally on top of it. The hissing reverberated
as the six men backpedaled from the dozen or more cat sized insects bobbing
heads and flapping wings before attacking.
Wolfe, Hunter and Chris had done this so often it became rote but both
Armstrong and Stevie Mack were struggling, firing wildly with both gun and
flamer. Chris dodged a swing with the flamethrower nozzle and knocked Hunter to
the left as well, avoiding an epic singe but infuriating the pair till Chris
finally knocked Stevie back into the bulkhead like wall. Shoving his helmet
visor back, a savage blue stare pinned the smaller man as Chris leaned in to
snarl. “Keep your shit under control or get the fuck back upstairs.”
Mack had the nerve to bluster back. “Like your head isn’t in your pants thanks
to the doc’s brat up there.”
One second of time to stop the roll of events but noone noticed save Hunter and
he was just too far away. Locking his hand around Stevie’s throat, Chris just
lifted and smacked him back, the metallic thud just one of the random pings
bouncing off the walls along with diminishing whistling cacophony of insect
noise. The first one staggered his opponent, the second drove Officer Mack to
his knees. Crouching, not observing Hunter moving in from behind, Chris went
nose to nose one more time. “Watch that mouth or next time you won’t be walking
back, you’ll be carried.”
One last shove knocked the other man on his ass as Hunter cinched his fingers
in Chris’ collar and hauled him up. “Back to work, kick his ass later.”
Grumbling he returned to the fray, snapping off shots with barely controlled
fury.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They were quieter coming back so two officers had passed before Arianna turned
around and caught the rest going by. Wally’s brother gave her a belligerent
black look as he cruised past where she sat at her bench but kept his mouth
shut. Could have been rumors of what the Overseer had seen that afternoon in
the atrium, could be the blond, hulking ferocity two steps behind him that made
sure all that transpired wasa look. Chris stopped and watched the rest go, only
Hunter following his partner’s lead and lingering after the rest of the
security detail returned to the upper levels.
As soon as they were all out of earshot, Hunter rounded on his companion. “What
the hell was that?” He used his finger to make each point. “You concentrate on
the job at hand, not personal bullshit.”
The sinister lines of body and face just tightened as Chris moved forward into
the jabbing digit. “I’m not going to get hit by panicked crossfire.”
“That’s not what set you off.” Hunter puffed up too, both men riding a high of
testosterone and adrenaline, pushing the aggression levels to a point where
Arianna finally hopped off her perch.
She went to step between them till the smell of roach guts and smears on the
uniforms kept her at arm's length. “Enough, both of you.” Spotting a clear
patch of blue, Arianna pushed Chris to get his attention. “Opposite corners and
take a breather till you can play nice.”
Hunter tossed his helmet into the organized chaos of Ari’s bench, eliciting a
squeal of protest and it getting lobbed back with a ‘do you mind?’ before he
could even remove his gloves. “Alright...Jesus don’t get your panties in a
twist.” He started setting his stuff on one of the worktables in the far
corner.
“Get your mind off my panties thank you.” There was no edge in the admonishment
as her focus shifted to Chris, still bleeding off anger like a storm with blue
eyes blazing. “What the hell is up?”
Breathing like a bull ready to charge, Chris took three steps towards her
before stopping. “Watch out for Officer Mack Rain.” His jaw worked as if
something would follow but instead he spun on his heel and stalked in the same
direction as the wall of blue a few moments ago.
Hunter and Arianna exchanged a puzzled glance. “What happened down there?” Her
query was nearly identical to his a moment before.
He watched his partner stomp off then dropped onto her vacated stool. “Mack and
Armstrong forgot firefight protocols and were just unloading all over the
damned place. Nearly lost my eyebrows to Armstrong’s flamer.” Digging around
while chatting, he found a box of sugar bombs and helped himself. “Chris took
offense and schooled Mack but...” Hunter paused and shoved a few in his mouth
then talked around them. “But it was something Mack said after tall, blond and
pissy there had him by the throat that really fanned the fire. Chris bounced
him off a wall a couple times before I redirected him.”
Chewing, his lighter blue stare skimmed her face. “I’m thinking maybe cooling
off isn’t exactly working as planned.” Finishing off the dregs and sugar dust,
he tossed the box into the corner trash can and gathered up his filthy gear.
Stopping in front of her, Hunter chucked her under the chin. “Maybe you both
need to rethink it cause more than a few weeks of this and I’m liable to start
punching people too.”
He laughed as he stepped out into the corridor. “Well he needs to rethink it.
From what I hear you don’t have any qualms.”
Arianna took a page out of Chris’ book and flipped Hunter off as he started up
the stairs. “Bite me”. Turning after shouting that at a retreating back, she
ran right into Stanley, who looked concerned.
“Arianna, I couldn’t help but overhear. Officer Sebastian is right. Stevie
isn’t right in the head in some ways and I think you should do as he suggested,
avoid him if you can.” He patted the small woman on the shoulder. “Can’t take
care of this place by myself you know.”
Nodding, a frown growing and drawing brows downward, she hugged the taller man.
So much to digest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris couldn't be found after the call downstairs, instead choosing to remain
sequestered in his quarters. After a synth dinner, he sat on the slightly
battered sofa, shirtless and nursing a scotch. No longer covered in greenish
stains and smelling a hella better, going up to socialize seemed pointless even
with Hunter’s offer of pool and female company. He didn't want just any female,
he wanted one and she remain elusively out of reach due to his resolve to keep
it frosty until she got older.
The day had been a painful reminder, her appearance in that doorway like
dangling a prize deliberately out of reach. The realization that he craved her
spirited discourse as much as her sensual distraction hurt even worse. Mack’s
comments just drove it home and he’d overreacted, very likely painting a target
on her back and leaving her vulnerable. Setting the glass down with a thump, he
went after the pip-boy on the dresser in his bedroom and was thumbing it on
when the lock on his door disengaged with a click. When Chris saw who it was
giving his rooms the once over, his stomach dropped like a rock while other
things stirred, a reminder that her allure doubled and redoubled the longer he
endured this separation.
“Of course it would be you.” Rubbing a hand wearily over his face, Chris
dropped onto the sofa. “You like to explain?” Leaning forward to snag the
scotch, he rested forearms on knees and waited, blue eyes relentless. Inside,
something screamed for him to reach out, find that baby soft skin just under
the curve of her bustline while plundering her mouth but no hints of the
internal battle crept into his expression.
Arianna shrugged with a sheepish smile. “Stanley put me on maintenance rolls to
give me access to the vault subsystems since I help so much.”
“Well, maintenance doesn’t have clearance to access security officers or the
Overseers quarters and you know that’s not what I wanted explained.”
Exasperated and on fire to his very core, illicit excitement built as he
watched her wander closer, lights on her own pip-boy dancing as they probably
hid her location from everyone but him. That alone added spice to the
encounter, knowledge that no matter what happened between them, this time there
would be no interruption to stop the events from proceeding. Warning bells
should have fired off but he just stayed motionless and prayed for some sort of
salvation.
An eyebrow shot up at the attitude but Arianna skirted his position and made
her way to where other glasses sat, pouring herself a healthy portion of scotch
from the bottle on the shelf. “True, maintenance doesn’t have clearance. I do.”
Turning, she took a sip and watched him with gleaming eyes. “And why I’m here,
well you need to explain what the hell happened downstairs to make you such a
bear.”
Chris stood and moved to block her from avoiding him again, nodding at the
glass. “You know, you’re not supposed to be drinking at your age. It’s a bad
habit I’ve noticed.” He attempted to remove the glass from her hand. After a
little dodge and parry with her, Chris managed to close his fingers over hers
and instantly regretted it, proximity bringing the heady scent of her that
tightened nether regions painfully. His grip loosened and dropped the contact
as if burnt. This was insane, need raging inside like a horny teen and nothing
had transpired yet but the barest contact. Problem was the longer they stayed
out of sight with so many comfortable places to throw her down on, the harder
all this was going to be. “I think you’d better go.”
“Now who’s avoiding the question?” Not shy, emboldened by his reaction to her,
Arianna lifted a hand and placed fingertips on his upper pectoral, tracing her
way towards the flat nipple with an innocent stare up into that forbidding blue
gaze. “You are so warm…” Reasons for being there vanished like smoke at the
touch of skin on skin, natural curiosity warring with an intuitive eroticism
that made her hunger to explore the differences one tiny detail at a time. You
couldn’t miss the war inside him, how he fought the drugging passion that kept
mounting the moment they had a moment alone. Arianna didn’t need him to come to
his senses, she needed him to lose it all.
The hand that intercepted before she reached her target had a slight tremor, as
did the voice that growled softly along her hairline as he leaned forward to
make his point. “Rain, we had a deal. Cooling off remember?”
Chris was so close it only took a second to rise up on tiptoe and place a
fleeting kiss just below his ear, the soft laugh a puff of breath along the
sensitive skin. “No, you wanted a deal, I didn’t agree to a damned thing.” The
scotch still curled in one hand, the other trapped by her would-be lover, it
took a second to step into his body, flare of warmth from bare flesh bleeding
thru the thin shirt till her nipples puckered in reaction. Another inch and
there’d be nothing but naughty intentions and a few flimsy layers between them
and it made her wet just thinking about it..
Jerking back so quick the contents of the shelf rattled as he smacked into it,
Chris tried to put distance between him and the wanton creature playing with
fire. He’d felt those pebble hard peaks and knew he’d get no help if he
couldn’t stem the tide of need fast. “Dammit Rain. I’m serious.” He returned to
the sofa, Arianna right on his six till she found a perch on the chair arm a
few feet away from his spot. “I meant it when I said we need to wait. You’ll be
18 in a little over a year…” Even to his ears the comment sounded hollow,
lacking conviction because her so close he could track the pulse at the base of
her throat wreaked havoc with his control. Already the tenuous hold on base
urges frayed, threads beginning to unravel at an alarming pace as Chris
clenched his hands so tight knuckles whitened in an effort to keep from
reaching out for her willing flesh.
“Bullshit” Blurting out the curse, the glass got slapped onto the table.
“Eighteen? A year? What the hell is it with you and my father and this
arbitrary age of adulthood that I have to get past to do what I want to do.”
Chris should have glanced up at the vehement outburst, he would have seen what
was coming. It frustrated her, his steadfastness at staying this course.
Longing for the same level of companionship married with a physical need made
her keep trying, keep pushing till she found his breaking point.
Sliding down till she knelt at his feet, expression intent as Arianna tried to
connect. “Listen, what exactly do you think will happen in a year? More
maturity? More emotionally prepared for intimacy and relationships? I’m there
already, well above my own age group and you know it. Look at Butch and Amata,
Paul and Wally. You really think I’m at their level? Even though three of the
four meet the random qualification you set up for this you know I’m not like
them, I’m not like anyone.”
Chris kept his quiet, struggling against a tide of emotion that made countering
her arguments problematic on a good day, near impossible with her fierceness
fanning flames of his carnal appetites and emotional hunger.
Rising up enough that her hands fell to his knees, her body tilted towards him
and brought their faces so close she could see the streaks of amber in those
blue eyes. “I think you’re just pulling this strong arm shit to get a bit of
distance, like somehow we stay away from each other and you’ll get the
discipline back to say no.”
No warning from her as her lips found his. A quick, short kiss before she
pulled back enough to look back into his shocked face. “It isn’t gonna happen,
not now. You’ve chased me as much as I’ve tempted you and we passed the point
of no return months ago.” Lithe, sinuous lines of a warm body snaked up to
straddle his legs, arms inching up till fingers could smooth the soft hairs at
his nape. This propelled him backward, allowing the fey creature to arrange her
curves exactly as she saw fit to.
Chris should have pushed her off, demanded she go, hell tossed her out on her
cute ass but he was stone, immobile as she found the same spot she’d claimed
that night in the fitness center. Mound over the ridge of his erection, thighs
trapped by a pert bottom, she had him pinned and all he could manage was hands
around her waist as Arianna wiggled till she found the right spot with a little
sigh of delight. Maybe if he stopped breathing the raging flood of passion
would abate, allow sanity to gain the upper hand.
The curve of her lips widened, victory in sight as Chris stopped fighting the
physical contact and let her have her way. Tilting into the muscled length of
him, her mouth nuzzled his again. “You know I’m right, we’ve gone way too far
together to stop now. I can’t forget how good it felt.” Mahogany eyes met blue
before lashes dipped as her lips grazed his, flick of her tongue a beguiling
start to a soul stealing kiss.
So much for sanity, it fled at the assault that was a kiss. God the girl
learned fast with the way tongue and mouth worked to entangle his senses as
easily as she had immobilized his body. Chris lost the ability to form a
coherent thought when she leaned back and stripped her shirt off over her head,
leaving only white lace between him and the rounded globes of her breasts.
“Touch me.” Another tangle of tongues and captivating kisses. “I know you want
to. The way you look at me when you’re excited makes me so wet.” Her body
undulated, sliding along her perch with an agile roll of the hips, taking her
along the length of his erection to prove just how true her words were.
Something in him snapped, hands that had been still buried themselves in the
thick tresses that hung down her back and jerked her into the hard expanse of
his chest. “Damn you Rain. Only you…” Growling against her throat, no rancour
colored the words as he arched her back with the grip in her hair to bury his
face in the soft swell of her cleavage. In fact the tone held a wealth of
emotion that bordered on tenderness as nimble fingers peeled the clasp apart
and sent the thin scrap of bra sailing into a corner. His lips explored the
skin revealed inch by slow inch, making Arianna whimper in delight as he took
time to do what he’d fantasized about since that night in the fitness center.
But it wasn’t enough and the bed was so damned close. Her world canted as he
stood, hands gripping the firm ass as she clung to him, walking them both into
the bedroom and kicking the door shut with finality.
The bed he settled her on was made, smelling of the vault laundry and whatever
soap Chris used in his shower. Laying back, feeling his voracious gaze skimming
her curves, Arianna focused her own passion clouded eyes on the big man just
standing there near the edge of the mattress. His face had relaxed, tension
gone as he reached down to trail fingers over the concave curve of her belly.
“God you're beautiful.” The second hand joined the first and snaked under the
waistband of her pants, tugging them off in a smooth glide that made her
shiver.
Bare except for a matching scrap of white lace over her nether regions, Arianna
just stretched her arms up, flexing all the ripe contours of her body in a
sinuous twist that lacked artifice but spoke volumes to how awakened her
innocent sexuality truly was. Lips parted on a breathly laugh at his comment,
reaching for him. “And you’re too far away. Come warm me up.” As if to prove
her point, aureoles puckered, rosy tips a prize all on their own and one he
couldn’t resist. Climbing till he hovered over her, that blond head lowered,
taking one then the other into his eager mouth. Each lave of the tongue tugged
somewhere low, soaking the material between her legs and evoking whimpers of
pleasure. She moved restlessly, wanting more touch, more pressure, more of that
warm body up against hers. Calloused hands stilled the movements, gliding
upwards to capture her wrists, guiding them to the headboard and curling them
around the posts. “I’ve waited too long to rush.”
That low rumble of his voice made her quiver and he worshiped every inch of her
body, one slow drag of tongue and fingers at a time. Throat, silken skin nipped
till her toes curled. Breasts, nipples teased to hardness then gripped in
Chris’ teeth while his tongue flicked along the hard tip, one side then the
next till Arianna arched her back with a lusty groan. But he wasn’t done,
taking it even further than her heated imagination had come up with in the dark
hours of the night as he followed the line of her hip down to the nest of curls
at the juncture of her thighs. Nipping thru the sheer lace, delicate pressure
increasing till even that fragile barrier fell to his questing hands, tossed
aside as his mouth found the very heart of her, exploring with a thoroughness
that left her panting and on the edge.
Her responsiveness was insane. No shyness or hesitation, Arianna gave into
everything like a hedonist, loving the experience as much as the sensations and
that alone kept Chris hard, needing to make sure the first time was as over the
top as every encounter had been thus far. Sliding up, he captured her mouth as
his hand took over down below. Lips tasting of her, tangy salt flavor as
tongues tangled and teeth dragged along whatever flesh could be found. Only
once did Arianna try to reach for him and he blocked her with a whispered “not
yet’.
Two fingers, then three slipped inside her, so tight and so wet that Chris
groaned with a chuckle. Her hips bucked at the invasion but when his thumb
found the bundle of nerves at the top of her cleft, the rocking took on a
purpose, every nuance of her budding orgasm telegraphing to her lover with just
that single point of contact. Just like in the gym, her movements began to
short circuit, rhythm stilling as impending wave pinned her with an onslaught
of sensation. Thighs tensed around his forearm as with little warning she
plunged over the edge and into a cacophony of pleasure, convulsions drawing his
fingers even deeper till with a shudder the waves abated, leaving her limp and
relaxed.
Only then did Chris move over her, guiding himself to the very entrance his
hand had just vacated, propped up on his forearms. Lips near her ear, he
murmured softly. “Rain, you ready…”
Finally free of his fierce grip on her wrists, Arianna lowered her hands,
playing along the muscled expanse of his back, finding the tight muscled ass
and digging nails in with a breathy giggle. “Mmmmm….” She pulled and he kept
going, even soaking wet she was tight and his hands shook with the effort to
keep from plunging home.
He stopped just at the fragile barrier of her hymen, cupping her head in his
hands and kissing her deeply. “Rain…” Chris was trying to prepare her, to tell
her to keep still and to let everything acclimate but again she forestalled him
with a nip to his bottom lip.
“I’m a doctor’s daughter. I know more about anatomy than you do.” No other
warning as her legs flexed and she arched up, shoving his thick member home. It
was painful, more than she expected and the teeth at his shoulder bit down to
keep the cry from escaping, fingernails leaving red marks as they slipped down
from mid-back to waist.
Left speechless, both by her actions and the sheer sensation of being buried
deep in that heated, slick sheath, he did what he could to keep her motionless,
struggling to get his control back while her body got used to the intimate
invasion. “You feel good baby, so good…” He captured her mouth again, wanting
to bring the frenzy of passion back before he started moving, knowing his
staying power this time would be pathetic. Her hips bucked and he pressed her
further into the bed with a guttural moan “Be still or…”
Ari on her part got used to the invasion of her body, rigid length inside her
felt hotter, stretched her to just the edge of discomfort but as the pain
faded, the sensations became urgent, building till she wanted to move. Another
undulation, very tip of his shaft rubbing on that sweet spot deep inside making
her eyes close with a rush of breath. “Oh…” Her petite frame, his bulk made the
veined length of his cock caress the nub at the top of her folds and the
heaviness in her womb was back, bigger and fuller than before.
“More….please, more..”
Already he was on the brink of losing everything but the drive to finish and
her whispered plea, feeling of teeth on the rigid cords of his neck brought it
all to a head. Thrusting slowly at first, her part of the dance took on a
frantic edge at the duel edged sword of penetration and stimulation of her
clit. They were past stopping, past care for the other save the need to make
that final moment a duo.
Chris felt her fingers digging deep, legs clenching around him as the velvet
channel he pounded began to constrict. She came screaming into his throat as
the convulsions of her canal pulled him deeper, bumping her cervix and sending
him into a downward spiral. The drive to completion took on animalistic fervor
till he too descended into release, his own moans hidden as he buried his face
in her neck, bathing her honeypot with a heated wash of his seed.
Stillness fell as both recovered, languorous pile of limbs entangled on the top
of the sheets, pillows on the floor. Chris had rolled them both, still nestled
within her silken folds and unwilling to part just yet. Her head on his bicep,
arms and legs finding a comfortable knot till it was skin on skin from top to
toe. Arianna lifted her lips enough to nuzzle under his chin, laugh barely
above a whisper. “You’re already gettin’ scruffy. I like it.”
A bass chuckle answered the comment as he kept her moving till his mouth found
hers in a delicate brush of a kiss. “Rain, you are a force of nature and I seem
to have no control when I’m around you.” He would have kept going, should have
pushed to set limits on future contact but having her there, cuddled up, all
curves and velvety skin pushed anything but enjoying the closeness to the side.
“I know.” That bald statement drew another chuckle from her lover. Pushing the
tendrils of hair out of her face, he drew his thumb over her bottom lip. “You
telling me you planned this?” No disbelief in the tone, just a quiet
resignation tinged with humor.
Lifting her lashes, Arianna hit him with the full force of her cinnamon shaded
eyes. “Mmmhmmm, I would have done anything I needed to get you right here.”
Yawning, she managed to wiggle just a touch closer. “Now you’re stuck with me.”
Playfulness shaded the softly spoken words.
The smile on Chris’ face dimmed a bit with the knowledge that rather than bank
the fires between them, the interlude may have fanned them. “Question is, where
do we go from here Rain?” She was still underage and he’d bet money that them
being a pair would still cause friction. But no response was forthcoming, the
slim girl already dozing off. Tucking her in a bit closer he made a mental note
to set a clock for an hour in a moment but he too yielded to sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arianna stirred first, a bit disoriented for a moment but gradually things
began to filter in. Warmth and weight at waist and where two sets of legs
jumbled together, skin on skin like a blanket and the occasional soft snore
from the much larger male at her side. Wiggling to free up an arm, she posted
up enough to take him in, letting her fingers explore muscled hills and valleys
along his side and chest. He’d kept such tight control that there’d been no
opportunity to delve into the tactile differences between them. Firm muscled
under slightly olive skin, flat nipples a few shades darker then her own and
abdominal ridges that made her breath catch. Letting her nails drag past the V
of the hip, she studied his manhood with a lip caught in between pearly white
teeth. Even half erect as it was now, he had an impressive size and Arianna
marveled that it had all fit. She’d been just about to touch him when he
stirred and rolled over onto his stomach, exposing his back and ribbons of
scratches along the planes of his back and buttocks. Her face screwed up in
dismay at the injuries, making her draw back with a tinge of guilt on her face.
Talk about a lack of control.
Catching a glimpse of the clock on the bedside table, Ari groaned internally
and slipped out from under the arm trapping her at his side. Eleven thirty
already, her father would be looking for her if she didn’t appear soon.
Frowning at the loss of warmth and faint twinges of pain that were proof of
their interlude, she headed to the bathroom to shower and clean the red streaks
from her thighs and belly. At least Chris had dark blue sheets on the bed, the
evidence of her innocence didn’t show up much.
First thing he heard was water pelting the wall in the bathroom, then noticed
her absence. Naked, Chris padded to the open door and peered in, catching her
reflection in the steam streaked mirror, a hazy outline of that amazing body
thru the shower curtain and felt urges rising with a twinge of chagrin. Of
course, like once would sate the longing that had built up over months of
foreplay. He’d been turning when she called out. “Come on, shouldn’t waste
water. The overseer would thank us.”
The comment made him laugh and join her, already erect but playing it off
casual as he stepped in and got another look at those lush curves. She went in
for a hug first, all soapy and slick with skin as hot as the water raining down
on them both, then pulling back she teased his flesh with her fingers. Dipping
lower and lower till he cut her off with a blurring grab at her hand, Arianna
made a face but he shook his head. “Rain, you’re probably sore and we’re not
going to start..”
She cut him off with a kiss, up on tiptoe and managed to snake an arm up to
lock around his neck. A twist of the wrist brought a reversal of positions and
it was her pulling his hand down to the damp curls of her sex, a giggle
escaping. “Pretty please, if it’s too much I’ll tell you.”
Unable to resist, Chris followed her lead.
***** Not so Secret Anymore *****
Chapter Summary
     Things have heated up but can Chris and Arianna keep them from
     falling apart?
They fell into a routine. Once the shackles peeled away, Chris and Arianna
managed to steal time alone on a surprisingly regular basis. Lulls in her
studies, his work schedule and meal breaks meshed perfectly, allowing for
interludes of passion and exploration that took both by surprise. Chris
constantly found himself astounded by her lack of boundaries and willingness to
experiment with him in the lead as well as a boundless curiosity that
introduced her own unique sensual appetites. It boiled down to a simple fact,
once involved, the urgency morphed into enticement with an end game of whatever
diversion they agreed upon.
With that problem solved, their passing glances and interactions had a more
circumspect air, taking the prying eyes off them for a time since most in the
vault assumed things had cooled, included James and Overseer Almodovar. Only a
few still suspected, Amata for one and Hunter had his doubts as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two dark heads were bent together, nearly touching as they went line by line
over Amata’s classwork. Arianna, stylus in hand kept poking and writing,
frowning at her friend. “Amata, do you even pay attention in Brotch’s class?
These mistakes are like, three levels below you.” At that moment, Chris and
Hunter strode by, the former winking and getting favored with a quick smile
before returning attention to the conversation.
Amata blushed and shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe. I mean Trent has been passing
notes while Brotch is droning on and on..” She sighed dreamily. “He’s so cute
but I’m sure daddy won’t approve.”
Unable to stop the snicker, Arianna shoved the tablet back after tapping the
save button with her stylus. “He’s gonna love it I’m sure. You can’t miss the
messages all over, I mean really…procreate it’s your duty and all that….”
Turning to watch the pair of security officers, who everyone knew were thick as
thieves with her friend, Amata peered into Arianna’s face till it was the other
girls turn to flush. “So, how about you explain that.” A jerk of her chin
indicated the boys.
“What, Hunter and Chris? They’re way more fun than going to classes.” She
flashed a winning smile that apparently Amata didn’t buy.
Amata shook her head. “Oh no you don’t. Ain’t no missing what goes on between
you and that big one, who I might add is looking fine as hell lately.”
Chewing on her bottom lip, Arianna pondered just how much to give away. “Well,
we’re kinda more than friends.”
Leaning in, you couldn’t miss the flush of interest in her friend’s stare.
“Spill. I mean like details. I mean, how far have you gone?”
The other girl blinked owlishly. “You mean like……..?”
Amata rolled her eyes. “Come on Rainy, it’s me. First base...second…...you
know, how far?”
“Oh. “ Now the stain on those lovely cheekbones darkened. “I think it’s a home
run…”
The overseer’s daughter sat back, shocked look on her face fading to one of
captivation. “Tell me everything. Did it hurt? What did...well you know...it
feel like?”
Arianna held up her hand with a laugh. “Down girl….one thing at a time.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You talk to Almodovar yet?” Hunter verbally nudged his friend while stripping
the body armor over his head and hanging it in his locker.
Chris, doing much the same just shook his head. He’d undergone quite an
appearance change in the last month, well sculpted beard instead of clean
shaven and his shaggy blond hair now had a cleaner line, short on the sides and
spikey top. The overall look increased the menacing aura of his countenance
tenfold when added to the muscled bulk of his body. Only Hunter knew the why of
it and when it amused him he roasted his buddy endlessly about girls calling
the shots.
The utility suit followed, a toss into the laundry in the corner as the shorter
of the two males rummaged till he snagged a clean shirt from the back of the
compartment. “We need to head out again, purifier needs parts.”
Chris dragged blue cotton over his head, back to his partner and giving the man
full view of the scratches and a vivid bite on the upper shoulder before
tugging the material down. “Rain told me it was having problems again.”
Hunter stalled while packing the rest of his dirty things in the rec bag. “You
still sniffing around that? I thought the new lady was keeping you busy.”
Dropping the strap he tapped the shoulder with the vivid circle. “At least it
looks like she’s trying to make sure the good citizens of the vault know you’re
taken.” Pausing he picked up the bag and moved to head out. “At least I figure
that’s why you look like you tangled with a deathclaw.”
Laughing, Chris picked up his own bag. “Still trying to get a name?” Moving out
of the security office, he headed towards the general direction of the
cafeteria. “I”m starved. Let’s grab something.”
Hunter yanked his bag up in a fist and jogged to catch up. “You’ve been
grabbing enough. Maybe a night off and some pool might be a better idea.”
The cafeteria wasn’t too packed, already after dinner hour for most of the
residents and those with families often ate in their living quarters. A few
tables and a couple booths had occupants, one in particular caught the eye, the
overseer’s daughter and Arianna had their heads together over something,
conversation either whisper quiet or erratic eruptions of laughter partnered
with sly glances. Chris winked as he walked by, Arianna answering with a quick
grin, followed by a response to whatever Amata had said before the pair came
even with the table. “He’s gonna love it I’m sure. You can’t miss the messages
all over, I mean really….procreate it’s your duty and all that….”
The conversation tapered off as they walked by but something struck the taller
of the two men, his sudden discomfort causing a bump to another vault resident
who dropped his silverware in a melodic crash. Chris glanced back at the two
girls with a furrow between his brows but continued to a free table, ordering
the usual, synth main with fresh veg from the greenhouse on the lower level.
Preoccupied, the pair ate without much conversation on his part, desultory at
best till Arianna slid her slim body next to Chris with a nudge under the table
at Hunter, foot popping him in the thigh with a laugh. “You two are totally
giving off the old married couple vibe.” Snagging a tomato off Chris’ plate,
she popped it in her mouth and stared them both down with slightly narrowed
eyes, giving up with a shrug when the sitch didn’t become apparent and neither
men explained one individual’s distraction.
Shoving his plate back, Hunter just shook his head at the pairs antics. Chris
though slapped at her hand as she reached towards his half eaten meal a second
time. “Go get your own food.” His tone was indulgent though he didn’t look up.
“Like that stops you from putting your fingers where they don’t belong.” Head
dropping, Chris’ shoulders shook with repressed laughter, Hunter lost it much
louder, so loud Arianna aimed another kick at him under the table, hopefully at
knee level. “Sheesh, mind meets gutter tonight with you two.” Her own comment
held a wealth of mirth. She slid a look her lover’s direction, catching blue
eyes watching her with a combination of exasperation and affection.
Letting the fork fall, then like Hunter pushing his half eaten meal off to the
side, Chris placed one arm on the table and let the other fall behind Arianna’s
back. The move didn’t seem obvious, the fact that pair made contact went
unnoticed despite Chris taking liberties under the light grey shirt, caressing
the silky skin between bra and waistband with an unconsciously erotic trail of
fingers to and fro. The scent of her skin, luxurious texture made other
appetites flare to life but the crazy urgency of their first forays into
passion had tempered his restraint. Odds were they’d have time later on to
finish this prelude with less clothing and perhaps a set of the flex cuffs he’d
snagged after Arianna did so well with impromptu clothing restraints.
For Arianna, the touch made memories crowd in a rush and she wiggled a bit to
relieve the pressure between her thighs. A touch flustered and trying to hide
it, she propped her chin on her hands, leaning forward to rest elbows on the
table and giving that magical hand better access. “So, now that we’ve all
tumbled down the perverted rabbit hole, what’s up with you two? Are there
problems on the home front? You boys seem a bit tense.”
Hunter watched the pair suspiciously for a moment before relenting. “I think
he’s moonlighting with Officer Wolfe. I mean what does he have that I don’t.”
The quip delivery came with a grin.
Chris just sighed with a shake of that blond head. “A stopping point.” Shifting
his attention to Arianna, he let his hand dip below the waistband for a
millisecond before snaking around to her thigh. “You been spending a lot of
time with Amata lately.” It was a statement, not a question.
Arianna shrugged. “Yeah, no training so I’ve got the free time and she’s been
extra interested in certain things.” Reaching over, she captured Hunter’s beer
and took a swig.
Hunter snatched it back with an affronted stare and drained the inch left in
the bottom of the bottle. “Like what?”
Canting her head in Chris’ direction, she went for his beer but the man was too
fast, sliding it out of her reach with a playful shake of his head. Arianna
stuck her tongue out then snickered. “The usual girl stuff, like how far and
how does it feel”
Both men stared in growing disbelief but Chris spoke first. “It? Do I wanna
know?”
Hunter shot an accusing glare at his partner, dawning realization beginning but
he kept it to himself. “Hopefully you told her it’s small.”
Arianna’s giggles increased as the other male got it, putting his free hand up
and covering his eyes with a groan. “Only if she’s asking about you Hunter.”
His partner locked hands behind his head with a touch of swagger. “We can
settle this here and now if you….”
“Enough! You’re killing me.” Gliding out of the booth and managing to snag the
hand creeping up to her naughty bits before he made contact, Arianna tugged on
Chris and made a swipe at Hunter’s elbow. “You gotta come with me. I wanna show
you the parts I need. Last trip the bits you brought were off and Stanley and I
had to rig it with junk.”
Hunter popped up like a jack-in-the-box but Chris followed more sedately, happy
to catch the rear view of that fine ass as it swayed all the way down to her
little hideaway. A couple of taps on her pip-boy screen and they had privacy, a
press of thumb on the locks of the desk allowed for access to everything else.
Grabbing washed cups and passing them out, Arianna grabbed a small box top off
the worktable in the corner and lobbed it at Hunter, using the distraction to
snag the nuka-cola out of his hand.. “There, this is what I need. You can
take’em if you want, those are the originals that burned out the first time.”
The nuka hissed as she popped the top and filled her cup half way before
handing it back. Turning to snag her seat, as usual she found someone else’s
ass planted there, his come hither wave bringing a sly grin to her face.
As she dropped into her lover’s waiting arms with a wiggle of her bottom,
Arianna tried to look stern but ended up giggling anyway as Chris locked her
into his body. “Just don’t lose’em. If I have to make some semblance of a
replacement I’ll need’em back.” Her hand lifted to play in the much shorter
locks and rub along the bearded jawline with a contented sigh.
Chris just buried his face in her throat, tilting her head just a touch to get
to the silken flesh under her ear. This is what he’d longed for upstairs, to
pull her in till heat bled thru clothing and let the unique mix of shampoo and
perfume overwhelm anything but enjoyment at her closeness. Ignoring the
conversation between the pair, he mulled over the tidbit of conversation and a
huge, glaring oversight on his part. Contraception. How he’d forgotten it with
her and not every other female he’d lain with just mystified him. Even now, had
she dropped a pregnancy bombshell on him this moment, the reaction would be
less panic and more hurrah since it meant threat of separation would evaporate,
sealing them as a couple. In over his head, Chris reluctantly accepted that
he’d found something he was unwilling to give up.
Meanwhile, the conversation between Hunter and Arianna had shifted to weapons
and when Chris finally tuned back in, his stomach dropped.
“You have a laser pistol. Get the fuck out.” Arianna was reaching for the
scotch at the corner of the desk with a slightly pleading smile. “Bring it down
here. I wanna see.”
Hunter grunted and made a play for the bottle, failing as Chris snagged it with
a ‘no’ that was meant for Arianna. “I agree with Chris, no way am I gonna get
caught with that kinda contraband.” Finally connecting with the neck of the
bottle, he managed to pour two fingers before handing it back to his partner.
Sitting up, bottom more firmly pressed to an already semi-erect shaft, her tone
took on a wheedling air. “Come on, I promise to behave if you do.” At the
negative shake of his head, her eyes narrowed as the smile became a touch more
calculating. “I’ve got Fancy Lad’s down here…..” She paused for effect.
“Chocolate.”
The cup stopped halfway to Hunter’s mouth. “They made chocolate?”
Arianna nodded and leaned back. “Oh yeah. I’ll hook you up if you go get it and
bring it down here.”
Chris’ sigh had a mournful edge. “Dammit Rain. You can’t keep bribing him with
food. Hunter just stay here.”
He’d been so quiet, nestled against her with the soft waft of breath against
the line of her throat. This was where she loved to be, just next to him,
feeling warmth and strength radiating along every plane of contact. It reminded
her of her dad in some ways, the safety, knowledge that no matter what, somehow
he’d be there for her. It had gone farther than the seduction she’d planned,
the two of them finding a kindred spirit in the cold walls that surrounded
them, a place both light and dark where, so far, nothing was taboo except being
apart for too long. Arianna craved him now, his touch, his presence and
playfulness when they could catch a few moments alone.
And she knew, despite his comment, he’d probably do nothing to interfere with
how things were going so she half turned and kissed him, carnal and
affectionate at the same time. “Yes I can, besides they say the way to a man's
heart is thru his stomach”
Hunter was having an epiphany of his own, comprehending in a second that the
‘mysterious’ other woman didn’t exist, it had been Chris’ way of backing his
partner off the nag train. It was the lithe teen in his buddy’s lap who’d been
marking him up the entire time. Hell, maybe the bribe would be worth the
explosion when it all came to light. “Chris, not asking for your opinion. Raina
what’s the way to his heart?”
Arianna grinned and gave Chris a arch stare, daring him to ‘fess up.
Holding up a hand before either could speak, Hunter shook his head. “No, just
don’t answer. That’s too much information. I’d like to pretend I had no idea
when the shit hits the fan.” The cup went down with a bang. “Back in a few.”
Squealing with excitement, Ari jumped up and started yanking on Chris’ arm.
“Come on, I gotta go grab payment. You can boost me up.” Shifting her attention
to Hunter, she pointed down the hallway. “If we’re not here, head to storage.”
“You can’t get to storage from here.” Chris had given up trying to curtail her,
just standing like a weary old man who could hear the alarms ringing already.
She just snorted. “Yeah you can. It’s called maintenance tunnels. Hurry
Hunter!” Catching his vibe, Arianna spun on her heel and shoved her fingers
into the waistband of his pants, dragging him close and reaching up to press a
kiss to his mouth, letting it dip into carnal territory for an instant before
dropping back to petite stature once again. “Come on. I promise it won’t kill
you.”
Grabbing hold of that thick plait of hair down her back, Chris pulled her into
his arms and lifted till her feet no long touched the pitted concrete floor.
“Why does that sound ominous?” Her ass hit the work table at the same instant
his lips devoured hers, all teeth and tongues and a barrage of longing that
made her knees weak.
When he finally came up for air, it took a moment for Arianna to gather what
was left of her wits. “Dad’s holed up in the lab with Jonas tonight.” Blurted
out with absolutely no finesse, the one tell of her youth.
Chris chuckled and set her on her feet, thumb grazing a kiss swollen bottom lip
while his avid gaze left no doubt as to the hunger burning deep within. “You
know where I’ll be.”
It took a step back for her to regain her composure but her flushed face and
reddened lips gave it all away. An unholy lust burned in the depths of those
mahogany eyes, eyelids dipping as that mouth began to curve. “Mmm, inside me.”
The breathy comment, gleam under sooty lashes all meant to get him back for the
distraction as she danced out of his grip. This made all the work totally worth
it, the playful back and forth, the banked sense of urgency as each touch built
on the last till they reached the breaking point. They had a ways to go before
alone time so Arianna was going to make the most of it.
“Come on.” No hesitation as, with fingers linked, she guided him further down
into the reactor levels, splashing through standing water here and there but
other than the hum of the vault, nothing stirred.
A final archway spit them out in the corridor right outside storage and with a
couple flicks of her fingers, Ari left a pip-boy trail for Hunter while Chris
wrenched the wheel lock on the door. “Damn, I’m surprised you can open this.”
Arianna giggled. “Haven’t been able to for months. Figured if I had brawn it’d
make short work of it.”
He stood back, muscles bunched and shook his head with a chuckle. “That all I
am to you?”
Slipping past, she managed to give his ass a swat, still laughing. “No, you are
everything Chris. But it does have some perks.”
Chris snatched her arm, spinning her around to face him, face bemused. “Every
time I think I have you figured out, you do it again.” Inexorably he pulled her
into his arms, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. “Not sure if you’re
going to drive me crazy but you’re stuck with me.”
Arianna relented and melted into that warm embrace, hiding a grin in his shirt
front. “Good.” The softly spoken word was muffled by his shirt. A second or two
and she began to squirm. “Come on…...let’s go. I wanna get my hands on that
pistol.”
Pushing him back and dragging his hand into hers in a single move, she led him
deeper into the storage compartment though that word was a misnomer. The area
was a massive warehouse, three tier shelves that were close to two stories high
for as far as the eyes could see. Once they were probably solid with supplies
and food storage but now they were an intricate maze of smaller lots, pallets
scattered with what was obviously dwindling rations. Arianna moved into the
cavernous space like she owned it, Chris hung back with obvious reluctance.
“Rain, how is Hunter gonna find us in here? And how do you not get lost?”
Rolling her eyes, she just kept pulling. “It’s like hide and seek, grown-up
level. He can use his pip-boy remember?” Laughing and letting his hand drop,
Arianna took off at a jog, disappearing around a corner. “Come on.”
Growling something derogatory under his breath, Chris took off after her,
following the giggles till he rounded a corner and found her looking up at a
section of shelving with a slight frown. “Hmm...I think this is where they
are.” Her head swiveled and gleaming eyes bright with amusement pinned him .
“Gimme a boost.”
He just stood there for a moment, arms crossed and a smirk on his face. “And if
I don’t?”
Arianna cocked an eyebrow and put a hand on one of the side rails. “Then I do
it the usual way.” He sighed but put out cupped hands, low enough for her to
step on them. One toss and she was on the second shelf. Didn’t take another
minute before she’d shinnied up to the third rail, looking around then calling
down. “Fuck, I’m off. I think they’re over on the right.”
Loping down the long unit, she turned at the last moment and sailed over the
narrow walkway to the shelving of the next row and disappeared before her leap
even registered to her man.
“Damn, she’s like a little spider monkey isn’t she.” Hunter spoke from behind
him, taking a swig from the scotch bottle he’d grabbed on the way back and
handing it to his partner.
Chris frowned and walked a few feet away, trying to gauge just where she’d
disappeared to. “It amazes me you don’t remember basic physics from our classes
but spider monkeys become a cultural reference.” He drank but didn’t hand the
bottle back.
Snagging it back anyway, Hunter shrugged. “What’s important to you…..” He left
the rest of the sentence open. “And while we’re on that, when were you gonna
tell me she’s the one you’re fucking?”
The pair had been friends for a long time, schoolboys attached at the hip for
as long as anyone in the vault could remember but the look Chris had when he
turned had a feral edge. “When you needed to know…” He paused, blue eyes
glacial. “And don’t use that word again when it comes to Rain.”
Hunter couldn’t have looked more shocked. Fingers swept already unruly waves
into a bigger mess as he dropped his head for a moment. “You’re right. I’m
sorry. It’s just I figured she’s like the others…”
Chris cut him off. ‘No, and you of all people should know that.”
A sharp whistle from above made both men crane their necks upward and on the
opposite side of where she’d started. “Man, it’s all tense and edgy down
there.” Brown eyes fixed on Hunter, indicating the three boxes under her arm
with a wave of her hand. “You got it?”
From under his shirt, Hunter pulled the laser pistol and waved it at her. “Of
course.”
Arianna pursed her lips. “Energy cells too?”
He gave a sigh of defeat and fished the cells out of his pants pocket holding
them up for inspection. “Dammit. Yes.”
With a dip and a roll, Arianna swung one armed down to the second level and
sat, boxes neatly stacked at her hip and out of reach of both men.
‘Okay, I’ll agree with monkey.” Chris’ comment held amusement but there was a
wary stillness to his posture. Something was up.
She held out her hand, playful smile with a wicked edge on her face. “Cells
first, then the pistol.”
Chris said no the same time Hunter started to pass them up. “Hunter, what the
hell.” He tried to block the delivery but his buddy had already relinquished
both. “Are you crazy?”
Tossing the three boxes down, she set the cells on her thigh and turned the
pistol over in her hands, exploring with a delicate touch and sharp eyes,
ignoring the men below her. When Hunter grumbled about one of the boxes being
opened, she responded a bit absentmindedly. “Well yeah, not like you’re gonna
let me keep it.”
Pulling a snack cake out, he tucked one in his partner’s pocket and fished
another out, putting the remaining ones on a crate of cans and peeling open the
cellophane with a deep sniff. “Oh god these smell amazing.” Taking a bite,
Hunter moaned around a mouthful of chocolate cake and cream filling. “This is
almost enough to make me give it up.”
“You’re right, he’s not going to let you keep it.” Chris sounded disgruntled
but watching her from below, fascination tempered the irritation. Her
expressions, the keen focus on what lay in her hands was enthralling and he
knew she’d make short work of figuring it out. “Come on down Rain.”
Muttering “Cool” under her breath, she popped open the battery compartment and
pushed the energy cells home, oooing over the light display as it powered up.
“In a minute.” Pushing up and into a crouch, Arianna swivelled on her heel and
aimed for a full pallet of boxes at the end of the aisle. Two quick pulls on
the trigger and smoldering holes appeared.
“RAIN! Enough!” Chris shouted and it echoed in the huge space, bringing her
attention for a moment, confusion evident.
Looking back from the boxes to Chris to the boxes again, she snickered. “Don’t
stress. Those are dehydrated carrots. We haven’t touched those for a decade.
Come on, let’s go test this out.” With that she turned and disappeared, bobbing
and weaving between piles of necessities and leaping from one unit to the next
like a cat.
“Shit.” A terse snarl and Chris was on the move right after her, Hunter looking
up with his second cake in hand with confusion, breaking into a run as the
other man also dipped out of sight.
It was hard to keep up, Arianna’s knowledge of the layout putting the men at a
disadvantage. A couple wrong turns and Chris halted to get his bearings when he
heard a familiar hissing. Force of habit had the security officers grabbing for
non-existent weapons and swearing before Hunter yelled out in panic. “Raina,
get back here with that weapon.”
All they heard after that was the rapid fire sizzle of the pistol, then
silence. Appearing above them next to a stack of huge cans, Arianna dropped
down and handed the gun back to Hunter with a quick hug. “This is awesome, but
the sights are off, a smidgen to the left.”
Elation faded to confusion as she looked from one face to the next. “What? You
guys missed a few.”
Shoving past her Chris found the trio of radroaches, all dead and the accuracy
of the shots impressive to say the least considering her age and lack of
training. Hunter spoke first. “Damn, you’re a hell of a shot.”
Chris looked resigned and slightly irritated. “Your father again?”
Nodding, she sidled up to the bigger male and wound her arm around his waist,
tucking her head on his bicep with brows drawn together. “Yeah, airgun for my
10th. Been practicing ever since, well practicing when I can get more BB’s.
There’s always a few roaches down here. Stanley and I rigged up some of the
wrenches with Ecells so they pack an electric wallop and I can save ammo.”
At least Hunter looked impressed. “Maybe you should go into security. You’re a
better shot than half our guys.”
Arianna snorted with laughter. “As if. That’s why it’ll never happen. Iron ass
wouldn’t like a girl making his security boys look like a buncha bitches.”
Hunter looked mildly insulted but Chris sighed and relented, pulling her into
the circle of his arms and locking her into his body. “Where do you practice?”
“Oh, dad set up a shooting range for me, right on this level.” Again it was a
game of follow the leader, Hunter running back for his boxes before the three
made their way to the narrow room just off the reactor main. Pushing open the
door, the cramped, long room had spinning targets set up on one end with a
bookcase and some pillows on the other. Gone were the boxes from that tenth
birthday. The air rifle sat on top of the shelving unit which was full of thick
books and an entire shelf of comics. Hunter cooed and headed that direction.
“Hubris comics. Oh man, Raina how did you get all these.”
Chris snagged the back of Hunter’s shirt and started pulling in the opposite
direction. “It’s too late for this. Let’s go before anyone misses the three of
us.” He gave the man a little shove towards his pile of snack cake boxes. “Get
your contraband.”
The three made their way back to the upper levels in silence, two mulling over
the events of the evening, one pondering just what lay in store for the rest of
her night. Already after eleven, most vault residents were abed and thanks to
Arianna’s modifications, they evaded security till Hunter peeled off to make
his way to bed and Chris and Ari ended up in his quarters.
Closing the door, Chris engaged the privacy screen and turned to face the
slender girl on his sofa. “So, tonight we’re going to learn about safe words.”
She returned his slight smile with a sly grin of her own. “Sounds interesting.”
***** Beginning of the End *****
Chapter Summary
     Arianna and Chris have taken the final step but threats and the
     growing instability around them threaten the pair at every turn.
      
     Author note: I love the series and have left much unexplained since
     it's in the game. Rations of food and liquor, overseer edicts and the
     like are assumed knowledge but anyone wants a short bullet list by
     all means give me a poke.
     Also, this started as an erotic fiction with a bucketload more sex
     and forbidden kink so some of the tensions and comments between all
     characters are a hint at what could have been.
There was little sound in the small set of rooms, just a whirr of the fans and
the occasional odd, nearly subliminal noise of the headphones in Arianna’s
ears. Head down over a book, feet bouncing in time to whatever she was
listening too, she looked younger than her soon to be seventeen years as she
sprawled on her bed in a tank and sleep shorts. Long legs gleamed a dusky gold
in the dim light as her father observed for a moment, amazed that this was his
child. When had she grown-up this much, so much like her mother it brought her
loss up in an ache that never seemed to lessen. In fact it got worse as she
grew, as she began drifting farther afield and so subtly that James hadn’t
realized till now.
Knocking on the doorjamb, he slipped in and sat next to her on the bed, fingers
tucking her hair back on one side so he could see her profile.
Wide eyes looked up at the touch, their depths filled with warmth when they saw
who it was. “Hey dad. You done in the lab early tonight.” Her fingers dropped
the earbud onto her book, then snagged his hand to rub her cheek on it.
“Everything okay?”
“We ran the one round of tests and figured the next one could wait till
morning.” Leaning in a bit, he peered at the book with a growing look of
surprise. “Population Genetics? Do I want to know?”
Arianna laughed and shook her head. “I hear that all the time. You probably
don’t want to know. I think I’ve tapped all the other books in the vault
library, figured it was time to finish off the textbook section.”
Ruffling her hair, her comment brought a more serious expression. “Arianna,
about those two men you spend time with….”
She cut him off with an upraised hand, swinging feet around so she sat cross
legged on the bed next to him. “Come on, dad, not again. We’ve gone over this
about a dozen times.”
James nodded and grabbed the hand, closing his fingers around it so she
couldn’t pull free. “And I’m still not sure it’s the best thing for you
darling. There are others your own age…”
“Like Trent?” Arianna snorted in irritation. “Dumb ass grinding his pelvis into
my ass at every opportunity? Ooo, or Wally, Paul Jr. or maybe Butch? The
choices are….” She looked around, needing inspiration and fell on the text.
“They’re genetically thin on the ground and you know it. Both Chris and Hunter
are different. They don’t care that I’m nerdy or bored with things that most of
the residents find enthralling….” She paused while her father listened
intently. “They just accept me as me. Like you do, and Stanley and Jonas and
Amata…” Her voice trailed off.
Sighing, he pulled his daughter into his arms, cradling her like he had when
she was younger. It had been a long time since they just sat down and spent
time together that wasn’t in a lab or over a hurried meal so he could get back
to work as soon as possible. Realization began to dawn, late but clear. James
left her to her own devices much too often and while the independence and
capable way she handled things had always impressed him, it left her with gaps
in her learning that had nothing to do with intelligence and much too much free
time. “I’m sorry sweetheart. I let you muddle through too much on your own. You
struggling now is because I didn’t do my job as a father. I should have spent
more time with you. We should do more together…...”
Leaning back, she halted the flow of words to place a kiss on his chin,
affection in the expression and tight hug bestowed on him. “Daddy, you did
fine. I’m just a little different then the other girls. And you have to admit,
way less annoying.”
James relished the closeness, cuddling her a bit tighter before reluctantly
releasing her with a chuckle. “Yes, less annoying.” He kissed her one last time
before standing and walking towards the exit, stopping at the door with an
ironic smile. “You did it again, distraction and redirection.”
Back on her stomach, Arianna grinned back at him. “Yeah, you know for a super
smart doctor type you do fall for it on a regular.” Pausing before tucking the
earbud back in, she favored him with a loving smirk. “Love you daddy.”
“I love you too Arianna.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still mulling over the conversation, Arianna sat across from Amata in the
lounge in the upper atrium, same book open and her tablet full of calculations.
Her friend basically ignored her while giving Alice Simpson serious side eye as
the woman dared approach her current crush. “Can you believe the way she’s
hanging all over Trent? My god I never realized lack of love from your parents
left you with a hole in the heart only dicks could fill.”
Arianna looked up with a wide-eyed stare before busting out in a giggle fit.
“Damn girl, that was savage as hell.” Glancing over at the offending pair, she
lifted a shoulder. “You got everything and that woman has a…”
“Vagina you could drive thru.” Amata’s sour look faded as a grin started to
peek out. “Just cause you got yours tucked away nice and content doesn’t mean
the rest of us do. Where is tall, blond and cranky by the way?”
It was Arianna’s turn to make a face. “Your dad put him and Hunter on duty. On
my birthday no less.” She would have went on but Paul, Wally and Butch appeared
from the pool tables and slid into the booth on both sides, effectively
trapping the girls.
Wally stared at Arianna, looking down at her work with a frown. “What are you
up to Rainey?”
His question had a sneering edge that Amata took affront to. “She doesn’t have
the time or the crayons to explain it to you Wally. Why don’t you and your
friends wander off and annoy some other resident?”
Wally glowered and leaned in so close that Amata could see the fine hairs on
his upper lip, first attempt at a mustache. Before she could continue, Arianna
jumped in and pointed to Butch. “Yeah Wally, save your breath, you’re gonna
need it to blow your date.”
None of them saw the two blue uniforms a few feet away, half shielded by the
plant life that grew so abundantly in the climate controlled main area. Chris
had stopped the moment the three boys approached the table but Hunter had
halted any other progress. Two reasons, he doubted if Chris got his back up
that he’d back down without leaving someone bloody and in all honesty, both
girls seemed capable enough to deal without starting a big dust up. Right now
he leaned into one of the waist high planters, trying to muffle the laughter at
the two girls cutting barbs while his partner just pinched the bridge of his
nose with a long, suffering sigh.
Butch meanwhile finally muddled through the fast barrage of comments to
Arianna’s gibe with a threatening growl. “Your mouth is gonna get you in deep
shit one of these days bitch so I’d…”
Arianna laid her stylus down carefully and shifted to she looked Butch dead in
the eye. “You’d what? Listen Butch, acting like a dick isn’t gonna make yours
any bigger so just drop the pretense. A word of advice though, well, actually
two…” Those brown eyes narrowed in anger. “First, sometimes it’s better to keep
your mouth shut and give the impression that you’re stupid than open it and
remove all doubt. Second, you really think round three is gonna end any better
than the first two?”
He looked affronted, fury darkening his expression. “Why you little cunt…”
While Amata smothered a round of hilarity with her hand, Butch was already
reaching for Arianna, going for her wrist but not making it far as a much
larger hand descended and yanked him out of the booth. He careened off a nearby
table and sent a pair of chairs to the floor with a jarring crash to land at
Hunter’s feet.
Chris stood between the table and the male on the floor, thunderous countenance
and menacing stance of all six plus feet. No words through the clenched jaw,
rage with a dangerous edge gleaming in the bright blue eyes as he stood with
hands loose, warring with the urge to pound on the face staring up till it
ceased to have form. Never had he danced this close with violence, the ferocity
barely contained wasn’t telegraphed in word but in a dangerous stillness. One
wrong move and it would unleash the storm.
“Oh shit.” Amata whispered, wide-eyed. Arianna starting to slide out of the
booth till Hunter’s upraised hand forestalled her. No one else moved, even
Butch’s little gang brothers sat frozen in hopes this security detail didn’t
turn attention in their direction. Tension so thick you could cut it held
everyone in its grip till Hunter motioned for the other Tunnel Snakes to vacate
their seats. “I think it’s time for the Snakes to take their leave for the rest
of the evening. How does confined to quarters till tomorrow morning work detail
sound?”
Keying in the code for a security feed on his pip-boy, Hunter relayed his
decision to Hanlon. “Officer O’Brian reporting a problem from main rec. I’ve
got Butch and two of his boys harassing Amata and the Doc’s daughter. Notify
all security details they’re confined to quarters until morning.”
Lowering his arm, he waved at the three males to move. “Now’s your chance,
before he decides to start removing body parts.” They scrambled and disappeared
but not before Butch leveled a fulmative glare in Arianna’s direction.
Silent and statue still save for a head swivel, Chris watched them leave before
turning to the two girls in the booth, both looking stunned but just as mute as
he finally was impelled to move. Where Butch had missed the mark, he didn’t.
Chris’ hand seized her wrist, yanking hard till she was forced to slide out of
her seat, dragging Arianna up till they were nose to nose.
“Hey!” Protesting and pulling against the fierce grip, she stilled as their
gazes locked and swallowed heavily, barely whispering ‘pickle’ softly with eyes
that seemed brighter then they had been a second ago. Chris loosened his grip,
remorse in the lines of his face as he murmured something just as quietly in
her ear, then led her off to the opposite side of the atrium, closed off from
prying eyes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Behind them Amata and Hunter watched, transfixed by the back and forth and
unsure of just how to react. Amata did jab at him when Chris leaned down and
she gave the other security officer a sideways glance. “You ever wanna join in?
I mean they’re both sexy as hell.”
Hunter blinked, appalled by the question and it showed on his face.
“What...what? Like sex? I….” He stumbled around for a second, missing the
second comment from Chris. “No, do you see yourself…” Before she had a chance
to respond, he waved his hand. “Nope, nope don’t even answer that. I’m already
in over my head with them. I don’t need your father coming after me too.”
As Chris pulled Arianna off, Amata started to slide out of the booth in pursuit
when Hunter cut her off. “Oh no Ms. Almodovar, I’m going to have to ask you to
perhaps ponder returning to your quarters.”
Amata stared at Hunter, face set in mulish lines. “Oh hell no, you know I’m not
gonna let my girl get dragged off when her man is in a killing mood.”
Laying a firm hand on her shoulder, Hunter began to firmly guide her in the
opposite direction. “I think we’d all appreciate if you’d keep the ‘her man’
thing to yourself. That’s something both of them are trying to keep under
wraps.”
When she fought him and tried to pull back, he brought the other hand to bear.
“Listen, Amata. If I thought there was any chance Chris would lay a finger on
her I’d be right behind him to keep it frosty but he won’t hurt her, I promise
you. It’s just you both need to watch out for Butch and his buddies.”
Brown eyes flashed in annoyance. “You don’t think I know that? Rainey’s always
running game on them and I’ve told her to back it off. If you boys in blue
would just bust a kneecap or two they lot of them would scurry back in the
holes they crawled out of.”
Hunter let her go, running his fingers through his hair, spiking it all
different directions. “We don’t do things that way.”
Amata snorted in disbelief but relented and turned to head back over to the
admin level. “You two might not but the rest of security ain’t got issues with
dispensing pain.” The comment got tossed over a shoulder as she disappeared.
Making sure she made it to safe corridors before turning, Hunter gave Chris
five before moving after the pair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chris regained his equilibrium as they walked, him half dragging a reluctant
female behind him and feeling like shit in the interim. Her whispered use of
their safe word brought the realization of just how far gone he’d been when
Butch went flying after his casual toss. He didn’t want to be the one scaring
her, he’d wanted her to understand just how precarious things were with so many
emotions running high throughout the vault.
Stopping where no-one below or on the same level could see without being seen,
he posted her up on a wide ledge around one of the tree groupings. Cupping her
face in those wide palms, Chris kissed her first, a gentle exploration that
left that plump mouth to find the pulse right under the ear where he murmured
softly. “Rain, you need to stop reminding a few people of just how
underachieving they are. You’re poking people who have no issues in using force
to make their will reality.”
When he leaned back, her cinnamon streaked eyes held a fiery heat. It had been
bad enough that the entire situation with Butch had slipped out of control but
to be reprimanded for defending herself and a friend infuriated her. Her fear
at Chris’ reaction faded as ire rose. “It’s acceptable for him to be a bully
and an ass and not for me to point it out? Or to have to back down when some
jerk decides I need to be brought down a peg or two?” The flat of her palms
smacked the armor on his chest, a pop that echoed in the vast empty area above
the main floor. “You cannot be serious.”
Grabbing for the line of her jaw, the pressure was steady but firm, holding
Arianna pinned as his relentless gaze probed the lines of her face. “I am.
You’ve had the run of this place for years with little thought to the
consequences of your actions from the sheer fact NOT...ONE....PERSON had a clue
what you’ve been up to. They’re still in the dark but so much is going on that
you know nothing about and that alone puts a target on your back.” Chris made
each point with a very rough jerk of her chin before his hands slipped to her
upper arms, a vice like grip with bruising strength. “I don’t know if I can
keep you safe Rain and that scares the hell out of me. Promise me you’ll tone
it down.”
After struggling a moment against Chris’ goliath grip, Arianna stilled but her
mouth still held a mulish line. “Funny thing about bullies, most times when you
roll over they keep coming back. Once they get kicked in the teeth they wander
off to find weaker people to torment.”
Tension in every muscle, he was hard pressed to keep his mouth shut as Hunter
rounded the corner and stopped a few feet from the tableau. He looked from
Chris to Arianna and back again. “You two get things figured out?””
Taking advantage of the distraction, Arianna gave a twist and pull and managed
to shake her lover’s steely grip. “Yes, roll over and take it is his sage
advice.”
She got three steps from the two males and stopped, spinning to stare Chris
down. “I’m sorry. Taking that bullshit is unacceptable.” With that she too
disappeared much like Amata but in different directions, her quarters on a less
lofty level.
Hunter watched her leave then gave his partner a sideways glance. “So, what
happened?”
Chris exhaled, weary cast to face and posture. “Trying to reason with her is
like trying to get a deathclaw to play nice.”
“Pissing into the wind hmm?” Hunter tried not to let amusement color his
comment or features. Seriously he was shocked Chris hadn’t seen this coming
from the get go.
“Yes.” Hunter’s attempt at keeping a straight face apparently failed as his
partner’s incensed gaze shifted. “You find this funny?”
The other man shrugged. “Yeah. The girl doesn’t listen to her father, what
makes you think she’s gonna listen to you? I think I’d rather face a deathclaw
then try and stop Raina. It’s like throwing yourself in front of a tank, you’re
just gonna get run over.”
Chris grunted in annoyance. “Then I’m just gonna have to make her.” With a spin
on a booted foot, he turned to get back to their rounds.
Hunter trailed behind. “You keep me up on how that goes. I’d lay a months
rations you’re pulling out what little hair you got left by the end of the
week.”
Despite the grumpy mood, Chris looked over a shoulder, ghost of a smile on his
lips. “Probably. I knew it wouldn’t be easy but damn.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An hour later, Hunter turned a corner and whistled softly, glancing over at his
lagging partner with a sly grin. “Man oh man are you not gonna like this.”
Chris came up from behind and stared. Amata and Arianna were coming down the
hallway, laughing and nudging one another as only girls could seem to do and
make it look sexy as hell. Much like Amata’s party night, they had put together
outfits that both stood out and complemented each other, Amata in a sheer red,
high necked shirt with cami underneath and a black skirt that clung to hip and
thigh, Arianna in all sheer black, gifting everyone with a view of lush curves
that proved both girls were well into the ‘adult’ part of their growth. Even
the jeans Arianna wore tucked into the workboots looked like she’d outgrown
them a few years back, so tight all you saw was a fine ass that switched with
every step.
When the girls noticed the security officer they halted, striking a
confrontational pose till Hunter and Chris were within speaking distance.
“Final walkthrough before the party? You guys are going to swing by right?”
Amata crossed her arms and waited to hear the reply with an eyebrow tilted up
into her artfully styled bangs.
Hunter just stared at Amata for a second then shook his head. “Two words, on
duty.”
Chris looked both girls up and down once but his gazes lingered on Arianna,
cataloging every inch of that succulent body and imaging just what he’d do
later. “And the clothes?” He had a bearish attitude. “I can’t believe either of
your fathers approved these.”
“Grandma Taylor. She’s got some amazing stuff.” Amata piped up first.
Arianna met Chris’ blue eyes with her own, lips in an impish curl. “Yeah, she’s
got some cool stories too.” It was a secret to most that Agnes Taylor had been
the go between for the vault and Megaton before Overseer Almodovar took over
but as usual one person who shouldn’t know got the goods and started up
conversations when she could. Now the two girls and Grandma were fast friends.
“I probably don’t want to know.” The timbre of Chris’ voice had a weary edge.
“You still have time…”
Cutting him off, Arianna approached and patted him on the body armor. “Time to
change. Nah, this is good.” Giving a model turn on those boots gave her boy a
glimpse of every single inch of her in the skin tight outfit, drool worthy on
every level. “Don’t you think.” She knew inside he was frothing at the mouth
but couldn’t resist the tease.
“Rain…” Her name rumbled in his chest as he took a step past Hunter to place
himself directly in front of her, leaning down till his lips touched the soft
whorl of her ear. “You’re not too old to be put over a knee.”
She couldn’t help the fit of giggles that kept her from replying for a second
or two. Finally able to breath, it was her turn to go up on tiptoe, fingers
curled into the edges of his armor near the shoulders for balance and to drag
him close enough that her whispered response was for him only. “No but I
suspect it would be better if I was bent over something else.”
Dropping back to her diminutive height, Arianna made a move to turn but Chris
thwarted her escape with a hand around her bicep. “Keep it up.” Warning or
promise, it could be both or neither but just the way he spoke made her shiver
with a mix of fear and longing, the same emotions gleaming in the cinnamon
streaked depths of her eyes.
“For what?” Arianna queried, unholy amusement so obvious even Hunter couldn’t
miss it.
Capturing her mouth for a lightning fast kiss, Chris didn’t respond and turned
to start back down the hallway, a very confused Hunter following in his wake.
Amata watched the pair retreat then slid her friend a mischievous grin. “You
ever need help with that man…”
Laughing, the shorter of the pair began to drag her friend towards the lounge.
“Hell no girl. I love you much but you know I have to be center of attention.”
“You’d ask….Hunter?” Speculation and no small amount of illicit thrill lit the
depths of Amata’s expression.
“Yeah. Between us I do adore them both.” Arianna linked arms and kept pulling.
“But Chris is a bit on the possessive side so I doubt it’ll go.”
Letting herself be led, Amata chortled with amusement. “You think?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The party wasn’t as over the top as Amata’s. Amata didn’t have the resources
and Arianna knew that you didn’t outshine the bosses daughter so while location
and music were the same the rest was a bit more...relaxed. Without the Overseer
hanging around, the vibe was a bit more wild too, something the two guards
across the atrium could attest to.
“Bet you wish you had that bottle of scotch now.” Hunter muttered with no small
amount of humor.
Chris just groused in response. “Or that Trent would have a fatal accident.”
Across the way, Arianna turned and shoved the aforementioned asshole back a
foot or two, Amata grinding on another boy and missing it all. A fierce
exchange of whispers and Trent backed up with hands raised, panicked look
starting to appear as Arianna strode off.
Hunter chuckled. “I do think he’s taken the hint.”
“Thank god, cornering that bastard and beating the message into him was looking
way too attractive.” Glancing at his pip-boy, Chris gave a sigh of relief.
“Finally.”
Signing himself off, he gave Hunter an elbow to the ribs. “End of shift, let's
get the fuck out of here.” If he was honest with himself, he’d admit that much
like the other party, watching Arianna move and interact with her own age made
him uncomfortable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
End of shift came and went. Arianna searched the outer rim of the Atrium from
time to time but after an hour, it was evident she’d been stood up. A glance
over her shoulder at the still ramped up crowd left her flat so with a nod to
Amata from across the lounge, she jerked her head towards the door and slipped
away. No problem if anyone wandered by, you couldn’t see who was who in the
crush anyway. A quick stop in Stanley’s upper level supply closet to hit one of
her smaller stashes before heading to the lower level living quarters with a
destination already in mind.
Chris had hung a bit with Hunter, basically lamenting the lack of entertainment
while polishing off the last half of a bottle of scotch before the other man
took his slightly unsteady leave. Sprawled on the sofa, last inch in the bottom
of a glass dangling in his hand, he didn’t look up when the door opened, a
slight wry twist of the mouth was the only sign he’d noticed.
Leaning against the door, bottle of wine in one hand, Arianna scanned
expression first before letting her gaze wander over the shirtless torso and
barely covered hips. Lip in teeth to hide a giggle, she walked forward and set
the cabernet on the table before sliding into the chair across from him,
striking a pose herself with a leg over one arm of it, bobbing lazily. “You
usually relax in a towel? This is new.”
Shooting a glance her way, there was a second of hesitation as he took in the
clothing change, cami gone in favor of a black bra, sheer top now revealing
mounded cleavage and a bare midriff, gleam of something shiny in her belly
button. “You usually run around half naked? New look as well.” Reaching out to
snag the bottle, he studied the label before waving it in her direction. “I
take it this is also from some secret hidey hole?” He had to stop looking at
her before the draped towel became a tent.
You could almost read the calculations in her mind as Arianna stared and
processed before she swung that leg down and stood with a fluid grace. A few
steps took her to his side, forcing him to lean back and meet her stare. And it
didn’t stop there, the slim girl leaned down till her hands found purchase on
his thighs, dark hair snaking in cool tendrils across that expanse of muscled
chest. “Yes to both. Are you still angry? Cause you can’t be. It’s my birthday
and I refuse to let you stay that way.”
Chuckling, Chris let the bottle of wine fall onto the cushion to the left and
slid a hand up to tangle in those silky strands to cup the back of her head,
capturing her. “Most overworked brain in the vault and that’s all you came up
with?” The pull on her was incessant till lips were a hair's breadth away.
“Because you said so?”
A slowly widening smile was her only response before mouths met in a carnal
kiss, tongues tangling while both parties remained still, as if a single move
would break the spell. When they came up for air, Arianna gifted him with the
most delicious grin. “No, because I adore you and refuse to let this go any
further.”
Merriment faded as her words sunk in, Chris’ expression contemplative. “Tell me
how you’re going to distract me.”
Cocking a brow, Arianna straightened and removed her pip-boy, tossing it on the
side table and dimming the ambient lights at the same time. The tones of the
side lamps were warmer, bathing her skin in a golden light as she sat to kick
off boots and shimmy her pants off with a lissome wiggle. The scrap of a shirt
followed, leaving nothing but black panties and that lacy bra as her only
covering. “I’m going to put all my budding skills to work.”
She made a move to crawl on his lap before he held up a hand. “All of it.” Her
head tilted quizzically. “Take it all off beautiful. I want to see all of you.”
When she seemed to hesitate, Chris shifted and let the towel edge fall to the
side, exposing a bare hip. Watching her face, the shift from nervous to longing
amazed him every time. The one thing that had staggered him from the first
touch was her absolute acceptance of her own erotic drives and needs and the
willingness to go the distance to feed them. As natural as breathing, Arianna
never hesitated more than a moment or two, just like now.
Just a tinge of shyness as both bra and panties got tossed into the same chair
that held her clothes but she stood straight, letting him drink in every
succulent inch. Much like her need telegraphed on her face, his appetites, that
male streak of possession lay bare to her and made her stand a little
straighter. All Chris had to do was wave a hand and she moved, crawling over
his body to settle in his lap. The towel shifted so bare bottom met most of his
erection, skin hotter and softer and wringing a soft whimper from her as she
draped her curves over his firm body and wrapped her arms around his neck.
As soon as skin met skin, all things wrong with the night faded and he trapped
her in a bearish hug, brawny arms tightening till he could feel her heart
against his own. “You’re exquisite. Every inch of you.”
Her head came up, nuzzling the underside of his chin and throat with little
nips of her teeth. “So are you.” When the grip loosened enough she gave a
shimmy and seated the head of his shaft at the entrance to her body, already
slick with want. Knees on either side of his hips, feet on his thighs for
balance gave her control as lashes fluttered shut, expression one of delight as
the undulations of a dancer nestling him inch by slow inch into the velvet heat
of her channel till the tip of him bumped her cervix, wringing another moan of
delight. Knees on either side of his hips, feet on his thighs for balance
Eyes narrowed, holding onto control by a thread, Chris watched every aspect of
Arianna’s countenance as she enveloped him. Only when fully enrobed in her core
did fingers grip her hips, guiding her in slow circles that incorporated
friction on every millimeter of her slit. It didn’t take long to drive her to
the point of release, her body suddenly taut in his grasp. Stilling her
movements, one hand reached up and pulled her upper body close enough to
whisper in a whorled ear. “Breathe gorgeous. You’re not getting off that easy
tonight.” Neither was he. If Chris was honest and been willing to confess, her
release would have driven him over the edge and he wasn’t even close to being
done with her tonight. Now though was more about control.
Hands filled with her round ass, he stood, driving even deeper into her and
wringing a groan from the lush female in his arms. Once again, he kicked the
door shut behind them, laying her gently on the bed and flex cuffing her wrists
to headboard. Looking down at her, soaking in the flushed skin, deliciously
round curves and slightly parted legs to keep the pleasure from taking over,
the feeling of loving possession nearly overwhelmed him. Kneeling near her
side, unselfconsciously naked with an erection that twitched with every
heartbeat, Chris let fingers drift from rosy nipples standing at attention down
to the gleam of crystal in her belly button. “You and Amata get bored?” While
he waited for her answer, those questing digits went even further, combing
gently thru damp curls to plunge into her honeyed canal, teasing the nub there
with a thumb while fucking her tenderly.
Arianna had remained still while he explored, trying to stave off the rush of
need that just looking at him brought on. Bad enough on a normal day but being
this close to exploding and just the sight of him naked and aroused made her
folds wetter. It took a moment to focus on the question, the magic of the hand
between her thighs making the answer fade and a whimper of delight escape
instead. Writhing, a violent jerk on the cuffs making the headboard slam into
the wall with a bang, her hips lifting to work him deeper in only to be denied
when he shifted positions and hovered over her.
Arianna didn’t have a chance to answer as his mouth followed the same trail as
his hands, nipples laved with attention, belly nipped and nuzzled till he found
the juncture of her thighs. Again and again, he brought her to the brink of
orgasm then backed off till she was close to begging with tears in her eyes.
Chris returned blanket her with his body, heat meltingly soothing while his
mouth savaged hers, taste of her own arousal thick. When he came up for air,
her breathing had a ragged edge, a fine tremor in her limbs as she struggled to
keep from losing her control. “Easy princess. Come here.”
Snapping the flex cuffs off, he rolled them both till she lay snuggled against
his body while he caressed her back and shoulders to soothe till an inexorable
pressure started to guide her head lower. Didn’t take a second for her to get
the hint and with a sigh of relief Arianna slithered down till her head rested
on Chris’ belly, eye to eye with his thick manhood. Thanks to no boundaries
when it came to new things and a doctor’s knowledge of human anatomy, it hadn’t
taken her long to figure out what pressures and places drove this man wild. Her
adept tongue and mouth worked shaft to bulbous head till it was his turn to
moan under her ministrations, the respite from arousal giving her enough space
to breath again without being in danger of going over the edge.
Chris’ hand tangled in those thick, dark waves, guiding her up off him and once
again claimed her mouth in a wild dance of tongues and lips till both were
panting and at the very precipice of capitulation to the tempest of lust
building with every single point of contact added. Coming up for air, he
murmured softly against her swollen lips. “I think you mentioned something
earlier….” That was all the warning she got as eager hands rolled her over and
up till she came up on her knees, spreading thighs till the center of her body
lay open.
“Being bent over wasn’t it?” Her response held a thread of amusement while the
ache between her legs tripled as he moved into position. “Please?” The softly
spoken word pleaded for him to keep going, not stop again.
This time there was no teasing as Chris thrust home in a single stroke, no
barrier in the sopping wet channel. As soon as he seated himself deep within,
he knew that neither would last long now and reached to snag one of her hands,
finding the engorged clit and stroking gently with both of their hands while he
rocked with ever increasing speed and ferocity. Arianna went over first, in
such a state that the friction on both sweet spots was just too much to resist
and she buried screams into a pillow. The waves of pleasure engulfed her in the
throes of release, convulsions of belly and slick, velvet sheath making her
buck wildly against him, pulling him along with her as with a shout he filled
her with his seed. His own movement became erratic as her climax went on
forever, the rhythmic pulse of her orgasm dragging Chris deeper and milking him
till they both collapsed in a tangle of limbs, exhausted.
Keeping them joined, he settled her against him and started the barely there
caress of arm and shoulder. It took a moment for Arianna to gain enough focus
to speak again and she peppered his shoulder with a few kisses. “Love you. Made
my birthday perfect.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Late, well past midnight, Chris’ pip-boy crackled to life, a quick three beep
alarm repeating until
the man stirred in confusion. Still tangled with his lover, it took a moment to
extricate himself
without waking her and find a pair of lounge pants to shrug into. Tugging the
blanket over her
bare hip with a quick caress of her shoulder, he shut the bedroom door behind
him and tapped
on the screen. “Sebastian.”
Hunter’s voice responded, a bit slurred but it had a frantic edge.
“Shit...shit….tell me you’re in
your quarters alone.”
Bewildered, Chris groaned in frustration. “Hunter, you calling me to nag…”
His partner cut him off. “Shut it Chris. Doc’s looking for Raina, he figured
out his parental tracker
is off and I’d lay rations on his next stop being you.”
Before Chris could respond, his door vibrated with the banging. “Officer
Sebastian, I need to
speak with you.” From the other side, the voice held a recognizable irritation.
Sighing, he felt his stomach drop. “He’s here.”
There was a moment of silence from the other end of the comm. “You need me to
head that
direction?”
“No, no Hunter head to bed. I’ll muddle through this.” A few taps shut the unit
down and he
tossed it to the side before walking across to open the door. “Doctor Talos,
what can I….”
James interrupted, suspicion and fury in every line of his body. “My daughter
is missing officer.”
The last word had a tinge of derision. “This tracker seems to be faulty and I
thought you’d be
able to lend some assistance.” He pushed past the security officer and made his
way to the
bedroom door, hand hovering for a moment as if he suspected what lay beyond it.
“Tell me
Chris, do you know where she is?”
Transfixed, words escaping him, Chris stood mute until the doc hit the bedroom
and finally
moved to intercept. “Doctor Talos, we need to talk.” He didn’t get to finish
the sentence as
James pushed the door open and stood there in the opening.
James was mute for a span of seconds, staring at the prone figure of his
daughter curled up in
the center of the bed. There was no denying her lack of clothing, the smell of
sex thick in the
small room as he silently pulled the door shut and turned almost in slow motion
to face
Arianna’s lover who lingered close but just out of reach. “My daughter. You
took a naive and
innocent girl..” His voice vibrated with enmity as it rose.
Chris’ eyes narrowed but he held his hands up in supplication, not wanting this
to go the
direction he could sense it was heading. “With all due respect you know those
are two words
that haven’t applied to her in awhile. I swear to you I didn’t force her or
hurt her in anyway.” He
didn’t have a chance to finish the explanation as the other man launched
himself with furious
intent.
Inside the bedroom, Arianna had stirred at the loss of Chris’ warmth but the
door shutting
brought her up to consciousness with a confused swivel of her head to place the
noise. When
her father’s voice filtered through the metal hatch, her heart started pounding
and she frantically
searched for anything to put on. Digging through the dresser, a drawer yielded
another set of
pants and a t-shirt that hung to mid thigh that had to be tied at the hip.
Bursting through the
door, the tableau shocked her, father and lover locked up in a frenetic clash,
Chris’ mouth
trickling blood while he held James back with a forearm to the throat.
“Stop!” Her frantic scream didn’t register with her dad but Chris’ gaze slid to
her standing there,
tousled and barefoot, and in a tone that brooked no argument demanded she
return to the
bedroom. When neither broke the clinch, Arianna ran and pushed her way between
them, using
hands and body to shove till both men stood a few feet apart, panting.
Hunched over, breathing labored, James glared in Chris’ direction. “Arianna,
get your things,
you will be leaving immediately.”
Chris just shook a tousled head and reiterated his earlier command. “Rain, go
back to bed. I’ll
handle this.”
“The hell you will….” Straightening, James made a move to start round two when
once more the
petite reason for the clash stepped up and shoved him back, glaring at both
parties.
One slender hand pointed to the living area. “Both of you will sit the hell
down and we’ll deal like
adults.”
Her father glanced her way, eyes narrowed. “Except that you darling are a year
away from that
distinction….”
Shaking his head, Chris moved to the sofa, taking a swipe at the blood on his
face with a shirt
from the laundry crate before sitting down. “No, Doctor Talos your daughter is
right. Time to man
up for both of us.” Tossing the wad of material onto the table behind him, he
sat forward, arms
on knees and waited.
James still simmered with latent anger but dropped into the chair his daughter
had lounged on
hours before. “No, you need to explain why you took advantage of a young,
inexperienced girl.”
From behind them, Arianna snarled. “Both of you, hush.” Back with three cups in
hand, pungent
aroma rising as she handed each one a scotch before dropping to the floor
between the pair
and taking a long pull from her own glass before speaking. “First, he didn’t
take advantage of
me daddy. I was the one who forced the issue.”
Before she could go further, Chris laid a hand on her shoulder, stalling words
with a gesture.
“Rain, let me deal with this. In many ways your father is right. I should have
never let it get as far
as it did.” A hand lovingly stroked her hair as he fixed his gaze on James. “I
don’t regret it but in
all honesty I meant to wait till she was eighteen. I wanted to do this the
right way, with your
permission and make sure it was permanent. What I said earlier is also true. I
never forced her
and I would never hurt her.” He had to take a deep breath to steady himself
before the next part.
“But Rain was persistent and I just…..I just couldn’t keep fighting her and
myself as well.”
“Yeah, he resisted for a bit.” Arianna chirruped from her perch on the floor.
When Chris moved
to shush her again she held up a hand. “And I get to have a say. I didn’t want
to wait since he’s
surrounded by all types clamoring for his attention. I mean Maryanne is always
dragging her
udders all over…….
“Arianna, enough.” Her father rubbed the bridge of his nose, a similar twitch
that had to be a
male thing since Chris did it often enough. When his child saw fit to actually
listen, he paused,
very aware of the byplay between the female on the floor and the much larger
man whose touch
held a tenderness that surprised him. “I think I understand your point Chris. I
left Arianna alone
too much and she’s run wild.” He waggled a finger at his daughter “ I taught
you that life is yours
for the taking if you’re willing to take the risks as well, I just never
figured just how far you’d take
it sweetheart. Part of me was worried that you have no stopping point and this
is proof.”
Chris couldn’t help it, he laughed at the last part. “You’re right. She
doesn’t.”
From the floor, Arianna glared at both of them. “What do either of you expect?
I make my
contribution…” She did the little air quote thing with her fingers. “And excel
at it. When I get
bored I find things to keep my busy. That’s what you taught me dad. I would
have thought you’d
be proud of how I turned out.”
James shook his head. “Arianna, do you know how many of the overseer’s edicts
you’ve
violated, or how you’ve put Officer Sebastian’s job in danger with this little
liaison? Not to
mention whatever the pair of you did to the tracker on my pip-boy?”
Silent until this point, Chris looked from James to Arianna, fixing his lover
with a pointed stare
her father couldn’t miss..
“Arianna?”
Rain chewed on her bottom lip and exhaled slowly. “That’s on me. I can fix it.”
His jaw worked, face settling into forbidding lines. “This is something we need
to discuss when
we get back to our quarters. Go get dressed.”
Reluctantly but with a dancer’s grace, Arianna rose and snagged her clothes off
the back of the
other chair before stalking into the bedroom and slamming the door without a
backwards
glance. Both men remained silent for a moment before James spoke again. “I
don’t suppose
you’re going to stop this.”
Chris, still shirtless didn’t stir, just ran a thumb across his bottom lip for
a second or two. “No. I
meant what I said. I should have stopped it but I’m not willing to now.”
“And if I insisted?”
There was a pregnant pause before Chris responded. “You have one option and
that’s to go to
Almodovar, which would put all of us in danger. He’s been a bit unstable lately
and I don’t trust
him or some of the other security team. If she’s not with you she’s probably
with Stanley or me.
She’s safer that way and I’m not going to jeopardize that. “
Somehow the refusal seemed to placate her father just a bit and James nodded.
“Almodovar
unstable?”
Arianna striding out from the bedroom forestalled the next question and while
Chris gave a a
subtle up and down with a carnal stare, the doc was less than impressed. He
waved her
towards the door and made one last comment on their way out. “I see I do owe
you a bit of an
apology. When you said you had a hard time, I didn’t realize just how far my
daughter would go.”
Standing mulishly by the threshold for another moment, Arianna’s stare went
from her father to
her lover and back again. Whatever had happened while she’d been shimmying back
into her
clothes between the two men seemed to have calmed them and she was wont to
leave it be.
Arianna began to step towards Chris as he began to stand but an imperceptible
shake of his
head stopped her dead in her tracks. They’d talk later.
So with a surprisingly perky grin, she gave her man a wave and followed her
daddy out to begin
the walk of shame back to her quarters though from the jaunty swing of those
hips there wasn’t
an ounce of regret in her.
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