Given and Denied

 

Note: This was done as an excerpt from a much larger RP between myself and someone else.  I have her permission to post this here and other places.  Warning that it starts off DubCon but no where near borders on NonCon.  The entire story has already been written and I just need to upload chapters as I edit them (which is almost done.)  

Hope you enjoy it.

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The Courier greeted Caesar happily, a wide gesture of his arms.



"I am so sorry to get you out of bed, but I thought it was worth knowing that since we last spoke I have taken care of Mr. House, though I'm sure your spies have been happy to let you know that."  He began.

The leader of the Legion looked far from happy at being woken, but listened carefully as Andy went on. 



"Yes, they have.  But considering that you've come here yourself to tell me in person does have its merit."  He replied, while leaning forward to rest an elbow on one of his knees.  His eyes traveled along the Courier's body.



"And you've donned the armor of one of my soldiers.   Either you're hoping to offend me, or you're just too stupid to realize that you need to earn it."  He continued. 



So far, he didn't seem surprised to see Andy; only irritated.  At his side stood Vulpes, out of his customary shades and coyote helmet.  He looked as ever vigilant and silent.



Ever ready to take an order from his liege. 

 

"I felt I had need to, in order to ask pardon without losing my head first.  Since I was worried when you sent assassins after me without doing anything to earn it, or if I had, to ask why so that I might rectify it." He clarified.



"After all, I have done what you asked and gotten the Boomers to my side, willing and able to help aid us in battle."

There was that small flicker over the leaders’ features.  Something had been done behind the man's back, and he was far from pleased.



He shifted in his throne, but in the flickering light from his torches, it was easy to see how ill the older man was, despite his disposition towards strength and air of stability.  His skin had a pale pallor to it, dark circles starting to form under his eyes from lack of sleep. 



"What leader would I be if I rewarded loyalty with death?"  



To his side, Vulpes' pale eyes hadn't left the Courier. 

"Which is why I felt there had been a miscommunication, and I would hope we could sort this out.  I meant no disrespect with the uniform, I swear." 



Honestly I feel damn exposed in it, how the hell is running around in one huge tunic and leather belts good for taking bullets?



His outer appearances and speech implored Caesar to answer him what had happened.

"A miscommunication. ” he replied, angrily if not a bit sarcastically. 



Finally taking his eyes off Andy, Caesar looked towards his Head Frumentarii.  Questioning the younger man didn't get Andy anywhere. 



Giving a non-sincere apology, the Frumentarii looked towards the Courier, saying it'd been a mistake on his part. Mistaken identity.  The small frown on his features a sign that he was far from pleased that the man was still alive. 



My Lord trusts you, but I do not.  Step carefully, Courier.  You are being watched no matter where you step. 



He was ordered to leave, in order to face punishment for his lack of better judgment.  Andy watched as Vulpes left, for a brief moment before turning back to Caesar to discuss what he might have else for him and if he would be given offer to sleep at the Fort before making a return journey to the strip.



If I wasn't worried about my throat being slit before, I sure as hell am now.

After a moment's thought, Caesar agreed to allow Andy a tent to rest in.   A small reward despite the work that'd been done.  About to say more, he was cut off by a searing, sharp pain that'd overtaken his head.  Giving a curse, hand pressing harshly against his forehead in a poor attempt to make it subside, he ordered Andy out. 



Having heard his leader, Lucius exited the room behind Caesar's throne to assist the man in his moments of need.  Eyes widening, Andy was about to move forward to aid in assistance when Lucius ordered him out a second time, less than genially as Caesar had been.



Deciding not to push his luck, Andy collected ED-E and was led to an empty tent, not one for the usual quick slumbers, but with a high roof and curtained door.  Four walls and two bedrolls, the Courier felt this was the equivalent to being given the royal treatment.



Well, at least I know I'm still technically safe in the Legion.  The eyebot floated around the spacious tent quietly.



Huh, bit bigger than those ones in the Mormon Fort.  Yawning, he lowered himself to one of the bedrolls, a deep cushion of hay beneath it softening it from the hard dirt floor.



Whoever stayed here had some damn fine digs.

The night passed by quietly, only being broken by the faint sound of Antony's dogs barking at something unseen.  For all intended purposes, Fortification Hill was one of the most protected areas that side of the river.  And in turn, one of the most safest to sleep in, if you had favor with its leader.



Morning followed the cool night, rapidly warming the fort and its inhabitants.   



Vulpes stood at the entrance of his tent, chest bare. The upper part of his armor and shirt had been removed, somehow managing to leave the lower section of his usual attire.  He looked down at the man who slept on, entirely unaware of his presence.  The eyebot continued to float nearby, faced towards the Frumentarii leader.



It would be easy, getting close to you.  Move casually enough and your metallic counterpart wouldn't tell the difference.



His back was intensely raw, having been unallowed Siri's medicating healing powder.   Caesar had sent a clear message to the younger man. 



Do not go above and beyond your leader.

As the tent heated up, Andy stretched.  Throughout the night he had changed back into his own leather armor from earlier.  Pants the only thing currently on, still too overheated to sleep in the jacket and shirt.



"M'mm...hey ED-E," the Courier muttered, rolling over with a yawn, rubbing his eyes.



As he came fully into awareness of his surroundings, he realized someone else was in the room with him.  Seeing who it was, he yelped, jumping back against the cloth wall of the tent, hand reaching for Maria.

"You won't find it." came Vulpes cool statement. Calm, collected.   He lifted the decorative pistol in his hand, having managed to slip it away from the slumbering man despite ED-E being there at all times. 



His pale blue eyes slowly took in the work along the nine millimeter.  Other than a small look of intrigue at the weapon, everything else exuded coldness.



This is the man that will make or break the battle at Hoover Dam?  And he is as frightened as a child.  Of me.



Slowly, a smile spread.

"I would like my gun back, it has...sentimental value to me." He asked, tone clipped as he straightened.



Fuck!  Why didn't ED-E do something?  He damn near gave me a heart attack.



The fact that Vulpes moved about inside the tent and lifted his pistol without him knowing made his heart thud dangerously loud in his chest.  The man who had slaughtered Nipton just to watch it burn for its beauty had always frightened the Courier.



He had never seen someone take such beauty in such devastation.

"By all accounts it should be in the footlocker at the entrance of Fortification Hill."



A fingertip trailed along the pistol's length, still looking quite intrigued by the craftsmanship having gone into its creation. 



"I have every right to confiscate your illegal firearm."

"Like I said, it has sentimental value; I don't like not having it on me." He replied quietly, keeping his eyes on the man before him.



The pistol was ornate, almost ridiculously so, with an image of the Blue Lady on the hilt.

Recognition flashed in Vulpes' eyes as they landed on the Virgin Mary, though he made no statements towards it.  Instead, they rose from the pistol to Andy.  He still kept a hold of the weapon, finger lightly caressing the trigger. He made no moves to aim it towards the Courier whatsoever.



"Tactical or sentimental, it is still illegal." he said.   "Tell me, Courier.  How do my accommodations suit you?"  He kept his eyes on the other man, gaze not faltering.



"Do you enjoy my roof, my bed?"

"I'd be a fool to use it in here and I'm not a fool.  If I were to use it I'd have every Legionaire chasing my throat." He retorted, raising his chin as a sinking sensation dropped into his stomach.



"This is your tent?" 



Why the hell did Caesar give me--wait, Lucius told the soldier where to put me, not Caesar, that damn headache interrupted him.  He swallowed past the fear.



"It was very nice, quite comfortable.  You have my thanks for providing me with such a comfortable place to rest my head."



He knew he was treading on thin ice with his remark, being snarky to the man holding his gun that had wanted him dead.



Fuck...fuckfuckfuck

He could feel his hands shake as small tremors worked their way through his body.  He'd tried to hide fixer on his person, but last night had depleted him of the rest he had and the lack of both liquor and cigarettes was starting to make his stomach twist.

The expression on the Frumentarii's face darkened swiftly. 



"You are dangerously mistaken, Courier.  I have not supplied you with anything."  



He had the man exactly where he wanted him. The only thing stopping him from killing him was the eyebot, and Caesar's Favor.  So in a strategic move more than anything else, he unloaded the weapon with deft, delicate fingers.   The clip stayed in his palm before he returned the pistol to Andy. 



"I am aware you have more ammo.  It would be very wise of you to keep it unloaded." 



So close. 



It bothered the man to no end that with just so much as a swift slice from his ripper, and the man would be dead.  But he had to stay in his Lord's favor.  In coming to Caesar, Andy had made a fool of Vulpes. And now he had to let the man live, despite his pride and honor to himself and the Bull. 



Lanius will be utmost pleased at this turn of events, I am certain.

Nodding silently, he tried to will his hand steady as he reached out to retrieve the pistol, setting it back in its case, the leather straps running along his bare chest and just under his arm, a sure way for him to keep it hidden beneath the heavy leather jacket.



"If you don't mind, I'd like to get dressed and head out."  He hadn't realized Vulpes had been lashed until something caught his eye behind the outstretched arm.



Holy shit.



His mouth dried as he realized what had happened after the Frumentarii had been led away.



He wanted me dead, but fuck; no one deserves to have that done to them. 

"Then dress yourself, Courier."



Vulpes stood, though he made no movements to leave. 



You will not tell me to leave my tent.

I don’t like turning my back on you.  Giving the Frumentarii one last wary look, he turned around to pick up his shirts and jacket, pulling them on and zipping it up.



"I have some stimpaks if you want...for your back." He offered, instantly unsure why he was offering help to the Legion soldier.



"Or...” he paused.  "Healing powder, though stims would work quicker, not addictive."

Why does he still carry those, let alone his assistance?



"I do not need the charity of a Profligate.  I have disgraced my Lord and in turn deserve whatever punishment is given unto me."

"Punishment is one thing, but this is downright barbaric!  I'm not trying to give you something that will get you addicted or anything, I'm allowed to carry them for reasons Caesar is aware of.  It's like...a stronger version of healing powder."  He frowned, angry at himself as much as he was Vulpes for refusing.



"Don't you think it was a bit rash?  Hell, if we attacked the Dam tomorrow you'd be in no shape to with those wounds." He retorted, now reaching for his pack to withdraw a stim.



"I'm offering one, just to speed up the healing, lower the sting.  That's all."  He showed him the stim.  "As the man you tried to kill, don't you think I also have a decision in your punishment?"

"What you see as 'barbaric' is something strengthening.  To rely on your chemical relief would be showing a weakness which is not looked highly on."  He replied, a look of disgust on his normally calm, stoic features.



"And if the War would be tomorrow, I would still march.  The wounds on my back would not impede the swiftness of my blade." 



Here, he actually looked away, and in doing so, showing Andy that he was no threat to the man. The expression of offense was gone, replaced by his usual calmness. 



"And as the man I attempted to kill, you have less sway in my punishment than anyone.   You may have favor with my Lord, but you are still a Profligate, unworthy of the armor you stole off one of my soldiers." 

Withdrawing his hand, he turned back to his own knapsack, pulling out the small bag of healing powder, sitting it beside the bedroll instead.



Should have just killed him back in Nipton.



"I didn't steal it off a dead soldier," he retorted quietly.  "I traded, with a soldier who realized the futility of being in the Legion and wanted out.  So I gave him some spare clothing for it, in return, he gave me his armor."



"He realized that a life like this wasn't for him and wanted out, I obliged."

Standing, he turned to face Vulpes, the man's back to him to showcase the brutality of his punishment.

His head turned to the side as he listened to Andy, eyes rising to follow along the texture of the material that created the walls of his tent.



"Then his running will be for naught. He will be hunted and slain for his treachery against the Son of Mars." Something quickly passed over the Frumentarii's face, an emotion too swiftly gone to pinpoint.



The lashes along the man's toned, pale back crisscrossed.  Red, angry and open, the whip had slashed its way across older scars; a literal reopening of old wounds.



"What are you hoping to foolishly accomplish in telling me the weakness shown by another?" he asked.

"What treachery?  He was a scared man who just wanted to hide and start fresh.  Everyone deserves a second chance, and I doubt he was foolish enough to run around spreading information about the Legion if his goal was to hide." He retorted.



He couldn't take his eyes off the scars and gashes. 



Fuck, at least let me sew them the hell up.



"I suppose I just felt like sharing, what can I say, I'm a Profligate that enjoys talking." A hesitant step forward.



Arcade would hate me for not offering something, he always told me they might not know of any other life.



"At least let me stitch you up?  Under your shirt no one would know...those will take forever to heal like that."



Was Rome really this terrible to its own soldiers?

A small frown.



"You're stubborn, but ignorant."  He replied.   "If I were to allow your hand to sew my wounds and my superiors would become aware, I would receive more."  He explained, slowly. 



He sounded somewhat exhausted, or bored.  As though a tired parent with a child he did not want.

Now Andy was getting annoyed, but trying hard to hide it.



"The stimpaks wouldn't show anything, and trust me when I say they wouldn't heal all that up in one dose, healing powder isn't going to really help that.  It's a tiny prick of a needle, and it's done."  He was going to say 'no harm, no foul' but realized Vulpes would find foul with it.



I'm not ignorant.

"Why are you so adamant on healing a man who wants you dead?" he asked.  "Are you so enamoured with another's visage that my wounds disgust you?"



The Dissolute and Profligates are vain.  Shows of strength fall upon them as they create their own blindness.



Andy's pestering along with the pain coming from his back was causing Vulpes' fuse to swiftly shrink.  It'd soon be a stub. 

"No!  I just think there's a fine line of difference between punishing someone rationally and going over the top to prove a point you were already aware of." He retorted angrily, moving around to face Vulpes.



"I'm offering my assistance to you just as I would to anyone else who I felt was in need, but you call me stubborn and ignorant when you're the one who is refusing help based on pride.  A trait you are quick to look down your nose on others for." He stated firmly.

Vulpes whole frame tensed, muscles shifting under his sore flesh.   As much as he wanted to make the man understand who he was talking to, he didn't have protection against ED-E.



Finally he turned, facing Andy, slowly closing the space between them with calculated steps under the guise of casualty.  He had studied the movements of NCR and Vegas citizens, and in turn, had been able to mimic it without a flaw.



His gaze was heated, intent; voice dangerous and low. 



"It is not a matter of pride. My punishment was viewed by other soldiers as an example of what may happen if they were to step out of bounds."



Within the blink of an eye, he had a cool hand on Andy's face, fingertip trailing along the man's stubbled jaw.  All a casual show so that he could get a point across.



Despite the Courier's ‘protection’, it could still be fooled. 



"Half of my soldiers were administered the same treatment.   I lost some of my most promising men.   Why would I be proud of that?"

It could have been avoided if you hadn't done it.  But he didn't want to say a word.  Vulpes' hand on his face, though appearing relaxed and kind, was far from it.  The Courier was more terrified of the man before him, than the man he followed.  Swallowing, he tried to find his voice among the terror and viper in the pit of his stomach.



"I am going to be frank and say that I don't know why I want to help you, chalk it up to my idiocy if you like.  But I stand by my statement that your punishment was too severe." He stared at the dark haired man before him.



His nose is flatter, wider.  He shook himself from the thoughts, his own mind trying to calm him down with innocuous thoughts instead.  Still works with his face.



"You want to kill me right now, and I'm also aware that ED-E is the only reason you probably haven't gutted me yet, more punishment be damned right?" He asked.

Dark eyebrows rose, just as his hand lightly cupped around Andy's throat, the tip of his finger caressing the other man's rapid pulse. 



"While seeing your entrails would be most...enjoyable," His voice had lowered another notch, practically purring out the last word. 



"Your terror is something that I must drink instead."

He took a deep breath through his nose, wishing so much right then that he could have a cigarette and the safety of the strip.  His heart was hard enough against his chest it was nearly painful as he swallowed against the fingertips pressing carefully against his throat.



"I'm not sure what I did to deserve your assassins," he asked, voice low.  The close proximity negating his own reasons for anything louder.



This...this is ridiculously dangerous right now.  I am scared shitless and slightly turned on because of his voice.  That damned voice.  The snake in his gut clenched harder.

"Yes.  You do." he softly rumbled, another caress along the rapid pulse under his fingers.  "You're ignorant, but not stupid, Courier."  Taking half a step, he managed to shift even closer.



"As much as it disgusts me to say, you could easily become a high-ranking Frumentarii."

Swallowing, Andy fought against the urge to just bolt.  To run from the tent.   "I do what's necessary for Caesar, just as you did."