"Yaaaang! Are we there yet?"

The tall blonde turned to answer her sister for the hundredth time since they left Rivet city. The small redhead was trudging alongside the pack Brahmin, which carried their personal possessions and items to sell. She went up to her sister and ruffled her hair, smiling gently.

"We're almost there, Ruby. Look, you can even see it on the horizon!"

She crouched to her younger sister's level and pointed out towards the ragged spikes that jutted out against the smooth landscape, promising the group that the small town of Megaton was close.

"Just a little further."

Yang turned to look at her sister, her large silver eyes now filled with hope at the idea of a mattress and a decent meal. She finally picked herself up and rushed ahead, leaving Yang smiling in her wake. Yang watched as Ruby's worn red cape flipped in the wind. Though Ruby could easily wipe out a band of raiders without breaking a sweat, she was still a child in so many ways. Her train of thought broke suddenly when a hand grasped her shoulder. Jumping for a moment, thinking she was being ambushed, she turned to meet the lips of her third companion. When the kiss broke, she looked into the face of the person she loved as much as her sister, maybe more. Giant golden eyes shone out against a face matted with dust and dirt.

"What was that for?"

Blake pulled away from Yang, furrowing her brow, but still smiling.

"Do I need a reason?"

"Uh, no- Just wasn't expecting it. I thought you wanted to stick further behind, you know, be our watchful guardian."

Though she was happy to see her lover, it was true. Normally, Yang and Ruby travelled together with the Brahmin, while Blake kept a short distance away, watching them through the scope of her trusty sniper rifle, that now hung over her shoulder. Blake shrugged.

"Like you said, it's only a little further. I think my job is done for now."

Silently, she intertwined her thin fingers with Yang's gloved hand.

"Besides, I wanted to be with you."

Smiling, yang cupped Blake's face in her gloved hands and kissed her forehead delicately. Stroking her cheek gently, she finally spoke again.

"Come on. Let's catch up with Ruby."

oo0oo

Sitting in a small bar called "The Brass Lantern", everyone with the exception of Blake tucked into their meal, shattered from the last few days of trekking across the barren capital wasteland. Blake surveyed the interior of the building with curious eyes while she sipped on some water, waiting for the first sign of trouble. Yang looked up at her girlfriend, her satisfied smile replaced with a look of concern.

"Babe, please relax. This place is empty and you haven't eaten a bite of anything. Please stop worrying."

Blake looked at Yang, her hard frown softening when she saw the clear worry on her. Smiling gently, she tucked her into her cooked steak, her eyes still occasionally flitting around her surroundings. Yang was right though, they finished their meal in peace and without incident. Finally, the tall women who had served them came over to the girls.

"Did you enjoy your meal?"

Yang smiled up at her, nodding gently.

"Yeah, thank you, how much do we owe you?"

"55 caps for all of you."

Yang raised her eyebrows slightly as she went to pay the girl. This was a lot cheaper than other places the group had been to in the past. She made a mental note to eat at this place if they ended up passing by this area again. Rummaging through the pockets of her leather duster, she grabbed a fistful of caps, and counted out the sum, the woman patiently waiting by her side. Yang gave her all she left out, tipping the rest back into her pocket.

"I'm sorry, you gave me too much. There's 70 caps here."

Yang smiled, tilting her head towards the woman's hand.

"That's your tip."

The woman opened her mouth in slight shock, and then composed herself again, smiling again and putting her hands behind her back.

"Thank you, miss."

"You're welcome. It's been a while since the last time I've been to Megaton. Where should I go for a place to crash?"

"We have a few spare beds. Otherwise, you can stay at Moriarty's."

Yang grimaced at the name. Even after the last visit, she remembered the old pervert who tried to convince her to be his employee's "paid accomplice", staring at her chest all throughout the whole exchange. Yang shuddered at the memory and turned back to the woman.

"Maybe a room here would be better."

oo0oo

"YANG! RUN! TAKE RUBY AND BLAKE AND DON'T LOOK BACK! WHATEVER HAPPENS, DON'T LOOK BACK! RUN RU-"

Yang woke up in a cold sweat, sitting up immediately, still reeling from her nightmare. Her vest clung to her, her chest slowing down from her rapid breathing. She looked in the corner of the room, hoping she hadn't woken anyone. She found her sister snoring loudly in her single bed, using her red cape as a blanket. She then turned to Blake, who lay next to her. This time, she found her girlfriend awake, golden cat-like eyes looking at her through the darkness.

"A bad dream again?"

Yang fell back onto her back as she ran her hands through her hair, sighing loudly.

"Yeah"

Blake nodded slightly, not taking her eyes off Yang.

"Come here."

Blake opened her arms and leaned towards Yang, inviting her. Yang rolled on to her lover, tucking her head under Blake's chin, while Blake embraced her, one arm slung lazily over her shoulder and her other hand stroking her back. Yang started sobbing gently. Blake responded by kissing the top of her head and hushing Yang.

"Shhh. It's okay."

"It's not. I can't stop-"

"I know, Yang. But there was nothing you could do. There was nothing either of us could do."

Yang's soft sobs turned into her louder cries accompanied with tears, though she attempted to keep her voice down, remembering about her sleeping sister, who stirred gently in her bed.

"It never ends, Blake."

"I know, Yang. But nothing can change the past."

Yang successfully tried to stop her crying, reducing her loud outbursts to mere sniffles.

"I'm sorry I woke you."

Blake smiled slightly, though Yang didn't notice. She took her girlfriend's chin with one hand, kissing at the streaks left by her tears, still stoking her back.

"Don't worry, I was awake anyway," Blake lied. Yang was suffering enough from the ghosts of her memories past; she didn't need that topped with guilt, even over something as small as accidentally waking her.

"Blake?"

"Yes?"

Yang paused for a second.

"Do you think I could've saved them?"

Blake instantly replied with a single no.

"You know if you went back, you would be dead as well."

Yang nodded against her girlfriend's chest, though the doubt that forever plagued her mind didn't subside with her response. It never did. She instead gripped her girlfriend tighter, but softly enough so that Blake stayed comfortable. She decided to change the topic, hoping to drive haunted memories with plans for the near future.

"We'll need to check out crater side supply. We have all plenty to trade with on the Brahmin. Plus it'll be nice to see Moira again."

Both girls smiled at the thought. Moira Brown. They only visited Megaton a few times, but they always made sure to visit crater side supply. Moira owned the store and was a friendly woman, friendlier than most in this town. She was a little peculiar, to put it politely, but never enough to freak out the group.

"We will, but we should get some sleep"

Yang nodded one last time, before she fell asleep in Blake's arms. Felling happy and protected in her arms, the night terrors left Yang to get some sleep, even if just for tonight.

oo0oo

Blake awoke gently to dim sunlight coming through the window. She twisted gently in her sheets, expecting to find the warm form of her girlfriend. When she found that the rest of the bed was unoccupied, she opened her eyes gently, searching for Yang.

She found Yang already wide awake, dressed in her usual large boots, worn white camouflage trousers and a tattered long sleeved top. She gathered up her blanket to cover her body and got up to meet Yang, ignoring the freezing metal of the floor. She wrapped herself around Yang from behind, rubbing her head against the blonde's muscular back. Yang turned her head, smiling when she noticed black hair.

"Good morning."

"Morning. What are you doing up so early?"

Yang shrugged, now turning to face her lover. Wrapping her arms around Blake's neck, she held the girl close, gently kissing Blake on the forehead as she tucked her head under yang's chin. It was as if Blake's body was made to fit perfectly with hers. Yang smiled gently at the thought.

"You sleep well, Blake?"

"Mm hmm, did you get much sleep?"

Yang nodded gently. She looked at Blake, the thick blanket and her thin clothes she wore to bed her only protection to the elements. She looked down to notice that her feet were unprotected against the freezing metal of the floor.

"You not cold?"

Blake shrugged slightly, looking up into Yang's lilac eyes.

"A little,"

"You should get back to bed then,"

Blake smiled softly, kissing Yang on the mouth with tender passion.

"I'm good right here,"

Yang grinned evilly.

"I wasn't asking,"

Before Blake could register Yang's words; the taller girl picked her girlfriend up easily, a small squeak of surprise escaping her lips. As soon as they were by the edge of the bed, Yang put Blake gently down on the bed and collapsed on the space next to her, adjusting herself so she could be face to face with her. Blake threw the blanket over Yang and snuggled into the blonde, who instinctively held her gently. For the longest time, they just laid there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's presence. The slight wind and ruby's gentle snores the only thing keeping total silence at bay. Soon, over Blake's head, Yang could hear Ruby stir gently from her sleep, and saw her lazy silver eyes meet her own.

"Morning."

"Huh…Good morning." Ruby yawned, stretching her arms gently. She got up, dragging her red cape behind her, making a soft rustling sound against the metal, her eyes barely open. She crawled onto the bed and cuddled up to Blake, who gasped slightly in surprise.

"Uh, hi,"

"Sorry, Blake, I want in on this snuggle fest."

Smiling gently, she allowed the small redhead to get in. Dropping her cape on the floor beside the bed, and crawled in between her and Yang as they all cuddled together, silence once again falling over them. Soon, the dim daylight grew steadily brighter. Yang whipped the thick blanket of her side of the bed, and got up from her side of the bed.

"Come on, we've got another long day ahead of us,"

oo0oo

"Hello Strangers!"

Yang smiled in the direction of the voice, which belonged to the shop owner, Moira Brown. A woman of average height and of a thin build, she wore blue overalls and had red hair a few shades lighter than ruby's, which was slung up in a lazy pony tail. Ruby ran up and hugged Moira.

"Hey little one! How are you doing?"

"I'm great, thanks, how are you?" Ruby replied, pulling away from the taller woman.

"I'm wonderful! I actually have something for you!"

Moira bent behind the counter and pulled out a box of sugar bombs, placing it into Ruby's eager hands. Anyone who knew Ruby well was aware of how much of a sweet tooth.

"THANKS MOIRA!" Rudy tore into the box and sat on the stair case as she started stuffing the golden sugar balls into her mouth.

Yang and Moira smiled at Ruby.

"You're welcome, Red,"

"Slow down there, Ruby. You don't want to get sick, and we got a long road ahead of us today,"

Moira turned to the blonde, who stood a head taller than her.

"Hello to you too, Yang," noticing Blake, she nodded towards her as well.

Blake turned away from perusing through Moira's very limited book collection for a second to smile gently at her, and then turned back to try and find a book that wasn't totally destroyed. Meanwhile, Ruby sat on the bottom steps of a staircase that led to Moira's quarters and continued to inhale the box of old world cereal. Moira turned back to Yang.

"So, how is business?"

"Business is good. Did a little bit of trading in Rivet city a few days ago,"

Moira nodded, her eyebrows slightly raised. Rivet city was a small city that was built inside the remains of a flight carrier, and was one of the few successful settlements within the capital wasteland. It was also in the middle of DC, and even though the brotherhood of steel's presence there helped make the city a little safer and Moira knew Yang, Ruby and Blake were more than capable of looking after themselves, it was still full of super mutants, remnants of the enclave, and other dangers.

"What about you? What's new?"

Moira shrugged.

"Not much, few new traders…oh! And I got this from a trader in New Vegas!"

She pointed up towards a fish that hung on a plaque above the door. It was a large salmon, made out of carved wood. Yang nodded in agreement, a large smile on her face.

"Me too. I think it looks fin-tastic. I'm totally hooked on it,"

Blake and Rudy groaned loudly, though Moira chuckled slightly, making Yang smile even more. This was one of the reasons why Yang liked Moira: she was one of the few people who could appreciate her puns.

"So, business good?"

"Indeed! You know how many people pass through Megaton, and with vault 101 open and wanting to trade with us, business is booming!"

This surprised Yang. Vault 101 was a nuclear shelter from the old world, and had been shut for countless years. Ever since the founding of Megaton, it has been something of a local myth. It seemed a bit odd to her why they would leave the comfort and safety of that place, but Moira wasn't one for lying. As if on queue, two men in vault security armour with "101" etched in yellow on the front and back of the suits came striding through the door.

"Afternoon, Ms Brown. We're here to pick up our order,"

"Order? I don't remem- OH YES! It's all here!"

Moira picked up a small crate which rattled from the contents inside. The security guard who spoke dropped a small bag full of caps onto the counter.

"Thank you, Ms. Have a lovely day, ladies," the security guard said, tipping his helmet slightly towards Yang and the other girls before picking up the crate with the help of his comrade. Moira turned back to Yang.

"Like I said, business is good. Anyway, what can I help you with today?"

Yang sighed slightly. She enjoyed her conversations with Moira, but she knew she was still a customer, and Moira still had a shop to run.

"Yes, I need some shotgun shells for my two ballistic fists, some 50mg calibre rounds, some food, water and 10mm rounds"

"I can get that for you right away,"

"Thanks Moira!"

Moira went behind the shop, hearing rustling from Moira looking for bullets and all the other items. Yang looked at her gauntlets, smiling with pride. Ember Cecilia. Normal ballistic fist models were black with a small double barrel on the top. Yang's had three double barrels and were painted a vibrant yellow. Unlike most old world weapons, which were usually damaged from repeated wear-and-tear, Yang always kept her gauntlets in perfect condition, even going as far as to polish the metal and repaint it occasionally. They were a gift from her father. She smiled sadly, remembering her old man… and Ruby's stepfather

"You know… There are a lot of people who would love to have a weapon like Crescent Rose!" Moira shouted out. Yang wasn't sure whether it was aimed at her or Ruby. The sisters both retorted at the same time.

"It's not for sale!"

The sisters looked at each other sadly. Just like Ember Cecelia was a gift from her father, Ruby's sniper scythe was a gift from her stepfather, and she took care of it with as much love and affection as Yang did with her weapons. Both girls remembered him with sad fondness. Ruby spoke up, breaking the awkward silence.

"I can make up a copy of the schematics if you want though!"

Moira popped out carrying the goods Yang ordered, her usual happy smile still clear on her face. Before she could even answer, Ruby took out an A5 piece of blue paper from Yang's bagpack, and placed it on a nearby work bench, setting down to work.

"That would be great, Ruby! I've got thirty two 50mg calibre rounds, a hundred shotgun rounds for your gauntlets, and a hundred and fifty 10mm rounds for you guys. That'll be 750 caps please, Yang."

"OH! And this, please." Blake planted an almost undamaged copy of Paradise Lost on the counter.

"800 caps then."

Yang nodded. Then she remembered about their pack Brahmin.

"I actually have some goods outside. Give me ten minutes, and we can do a little bit of trading?"

Moira nodded excitedly, and Yang made towards the Brahmin left outside Megaton, eager to get rid of some of their unneeded goods, hearing a conversation beginning between Blake and Moira as she began walking out.

"So, how is that book going, Moira?"

"I FINISHED IT! Some guy from vault 101 helped me do my research-"

oo0oo

"Ok, so that's three hunting rifles, some clothes and a few frag grenades. Yeah, that should cover the cost, Yang. You enjoy those books, Blake, and tell me what you think of the wasteland survival guide."

Moira decided to see them off just as they adjusted the possessions on the pack Brahmin. Yang and Blake nodded.

"Oh wait!"

Ruby ran to one of the side bags on the Brahmin and pulled out the copy of blue paper that was Crescent Rose's copied weapon schematics. She took the rolled up paper and handed it to Moira

"As promised."

Moira looked down, mouth agape in clear shock.

"You sure? Is this you only-?"

Ruby shook her head, smiling.

"No, I needed to make up a spare copy anyway,"

Moira hugged Ruby tightly.

"Thank you so much! You-this means so much to me, thank you! When will you guys be back?" This time, she pointed the question to Yang, as she was the one who called the shots when it came to travelling.

"I don't know. Maybe a few monthes.

"Well, remind me I owe you one."

Yang nodded, smiling. It was nice to see Ruby's kindness helped out…that and her dad's old habits. Shaking away the thought, she started to head off, but not before shaking Moira's hand.

"Always a pleasure, Moira."

"Likewise." Smiling, Moira pulled Yang into a hug, which she accepted.

"Stay safe, it's a tough, unforgiving world out there, kiddo."

Her smile turning into sadness. She knew all to well. Pulling away, she put on a smile before pulling away.

"Til the next time"

Moira smiled sadly, and waved to the group, then headed back in. She had lost too many friends to this world, and she hoped this wouldn't be the last time she saw Ruby, Blake or Yang. The convoy started to head off. Yang pulled up next to Ruby, ruffling her hair.

"That was a sweet thing you did for Moira, Rubes,"

Ruby smiled up at Yang.

"You should thank your dad, It's because of him I could help Moira."

Yang pulled a shoulder around her younger sister's shoulder.

"Our dad."

oo0oo

"Yang, Ruby, you got to remember any modifications you make to those weapons, you got to add it to the schematics. Every single little detail you add onto Ember or Crescent, remember to add it"

The sisters nodded in comprehension.

"Good. And it might be a good habit to keep a spare copy. In case, you lose the original."

(Notes: Notes: This is my first fan fiction story, it's is rough as hell, but I wanted to contribute something to the fandom. I also wanted to include the weapons, as I believe it is part of the character's identities. This is an edited copy, as I was making two chapters into one. Anyway, stay tuned for more, guys!)