|Dead Bride: Chapter one|

She always walked with her knife out, or with a weapon drawn. Like she was expecting death or something, like she was expecting Judgement Day to come early for her; almost like he did. Wisps and curls of short brown tresses was blown back gently by a merciful breeze. But she wasn't anything gentle at all, Boone thought.
Catherine was more of a cactus if anything, always willing to stick someone whether it be an elderly or a young woman, all depending on what they were fighting for. The way she walked wasn't flat, more of a guarding position and sleek. Sleek and smooth was the way she traveled out here in the Mojave, unlike the calloused ground before them, depraved of life and water long ago. And it really added to her character- Cold like the many dead bodies and souls she ended but caring. Always had the look of understanding, unless you were Legion. No free hugs for them.
Despite the beating sun, despite how relentless it was her skin was pale as a grove of ashes. How she wasn't sunburnt was beyong him.

Catherine and Boone both braved the Mojave roads and how she got him to do it was beyond him. A courier once helped him find the 'merchant' of his wife, but he didn't tag along. Well, that courier ended up dead at the Tops and here was this woman who managed to get him out of Novac, where he used to bitterly will the hours away, planning ways to go out with a bang. No one looked him in the eye, besides Catherine. Her eyes were a pale dusty green, like his own. He had barely noticed the multiple scars on her face when they talked, but he made a bet to himself that each one told a colourful story.
Just another fine trait the Mojave had to offer- travelers who were in desolate areas of what was left of the world trying to seek comfort by venting on others. Lovely. But in all reality, Boone didn't mind. He never knew what to say. Pulling out his rifle and monitoring the road ahead through his scope in even, widespread sweeps, they continued on their journey. It was endless, almost. Just like his life seemed to be. Catherine took him everywhere though so it had a little bit of variety- and luxuries- such as free equipment. She never charged for anything, never asked for anything in return. And if she did, Boone would be above his head in debts. Debts he still wanted to pay for. But currently, they were just doing things for the NCR; and the current 'mission' they were sent out on was to get to Helios One and activate the solar power plant back up to full speed. And much to his surprise, it was found right outside of Novac. He wish he'd known that sooner, so they wouldn't have had to try and spend hours finding it, guessing. This time around, the NCR didn't give directions.
"I think I see it", she sighed out in a icy voice.

"You think? Because I see tons of solar panels", he retorted.

They didn't hate eachother. They just weren't accustomed to one another yet- coupled by the fact they never spoke that much. But she knew her way with words, that was for sure, otherwise he'd still be holed up in Novac, bitterly and dismally willing the hours away, dreaming about his dead bride.