The Sounds of Silence *OPEN*

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan stood in the middle of the wheat field and closed his eyes. His arms hung at his sides, his fingertips brushing the tops of the soft stalks. A warm gentle breeze caressed Dustan's unshaven face as he listened to the silence of the once busy world. This was a silence he had not heard for over a millennium.

Dustan often stood and listened to the silence. Sometimes he could hear the voices of the past calling to him. It was a beautiful feeling to hear his love call his name across the expanse of time, knowing that at one time, he was loved.

He was long since over the sorrow and had taken lovers since but she had always remained in his heart, just as the others did. Alone again, he often wondered if love would come his way again. He knew love was a gift from the gods that was only bestowed on the worthy. He hoped one day, he would once again be worthy of love....

He shook his thoughts away. Wishing for such things almost surely guaranteed that he would not receive the gift. He cleared his mind and began the slow, deliberate movements of Tai Chi. His mind became clear again and he achieved a level of peace not many humans ever experienced, but at his age, after hundreds of years of training, he was able to achieve it almost at will.

He became aware of everything around him; the sky; the wind; the clouds; the life force of every living thing surrounding him, including the person watching him. He suddenly stopped and smiled with his perfect white teeth and nudged a dirt clod on the ground with the toe of his boot. "You caught me." he said shyly and glance over at them before looking down again.

[alexiafallon]

Alexia only was in Haven for a few days. Though once she had been given a tour, she still couldn't shake the unease that came over her as more days passed and at the same time Cato had not shown up. She definitely had started to come to terms with the fact that Cato was most likely gone. Though she still didn't want to admit the worse to herself. He was dead. Feeling closed in and lost she decided to check out the farm and take a moment to gather her thoughts.

As she had wandered about she came to the one place where a man she had yet to meet was doing something. It was calming, and her thoughts seemed to clear as she stood there. Taking in the scene before her. Her head was slightly tilted, and her hands were hooked within the pocket of her tattered old jeans. She hadn't meant to be staring at him, but she was intrigued. Blinking when he spoke shyly about being caught, she stammered a little husky sultry tone of her voice was a rich warmth that seemed to dance over one's soul. " I'm sorry I have never seen someone do. That thing you were doing. "

She motioned with one of her hands as the other came up to remove the old gatsby style cap she wore. Releasing the slightly messy dark locks about her face. Habitually, she started to ring the cap in her hands now forcing herself not to pull into herself and be shy. She was new here and needed someone to talk to in order to keep herself from going crazy with the past few weeks and their memories.

"So um... What exactly was that you were doing? " Finally, Alexia stepped a little closer to him, looking down to the clump of dirt he seemed to be nudging and moving about. " It was really relaxing and calming. " Her hands stopped twisting the cap and finally hung limply by her side as she tilted her head in that curious motion and leaned down slightly trying to catch his gaze with her own. The soulful dark-brown eyes were rich and warm as they searched curiously. The seeming old soul that resided with him; her was always welcoming and warm even though she was a battle hardened female.

Her smile formed once more as she stood there a little nervous and unsure. " I can leave though if I'm bothering you. " Nervous laughter followed her words. Her hand coming up once again to pull through the dark brown lush locks of her hair. The light catching the crimson highlights and glinting from the movements.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan kept the friendly yet, embarrassed smile on his face. He wasn’t used to having company during his meditation. Not many people walked the fields and he knew the ones who did and when. “No need to be sorry.” He said softly, his Arabic/English accent finally finding its way through enough words said at once. “It’s called Tai Chi. It is an ancient form of martial arts training and meditation technique.” He explained.
The woman looked strong, yet unsure. He knew for a fact she was new because he never forgot a face. He pushed his long hair back by combing his fingers through it and looked at the woman from the side, without turning to face her. “I can teach you, if you wish. The Admiral has been after me to train some of the soldiers in this technique and some other fighting styles I am well trained in.” he offered. “But not right now, I am quite famished and breakfast will be served soon.”

He noticed her rich brown eyes searching for his bright clear orbs that were as blue as the Persian sea before pollution existed. Instinctually, he looked away. Those with the innate ability to gauge the age of your soul would quickly identify how old his soul was. They would not know that it had been in the same body all that time but he did not want questions to be asked or two and two to be put together. Most people think he is just shy because he avoids eye contact.

He chuckled softly and pretended to be interested in the dirt clod he had been toeing with his boot, “No, you are not bothering me at all.” He informed her, “But we should leave, I can walk you to the mess hall if you like; show you around?” what better way to get her attention off his eyes if he was walking beside her rather than facing her.

[alexiafallon]

His avoidance of her eyes said several things to Alexia, but it was not shyness. She had been raised to meet someone directly when she spoke, which was why she was or had been trying to make eye contact she had always been told that for someone to avoid it. They had secrets to hide. However, Alexia respected that after all she had been encroaching upon him and his training. Nodding now as he spoke she shifted her gaze from him. Her hands twisting her hair into a low messy bun with several rogue tendrils slipping free and framing her face. Finally, the cap was placed back on her head.

"Tai chi?" She pronounced it perfectly having a tongue that was gifted for languages. Each sound of the letters was etched with the rich sound of her voice. "I think I would like that. I am always interested in learning something new." Smiling now as she moved out of his way and motioned with her hand. " I have had only a short tour, and it did not show me where the mess hall is located." About the time, she said that she realized the pain in her stomach was from the fact she was hungry. Finally, the loud grumble from the organ caused her to blush a little and laugh.

Instinctually her hands covered her stomach as if trying to stifle the loud sound. " I'm sorry I have only been here a few days and rations before I found Haven was a little on the skimpy side. " As she waited for him to fall into start the pace of their walk, she occasionally glanced over to take him in. His features were quite handsome, and she found she was comparing him to Cato. The differences were so strong. Where Cato was headstrong, brash and confidant. This man was not his features were rugged from the slight beard growth. She smiled. "I'm Alexia, By the way. Alex or Lexy for short. " Finally giving her name t him and waiting to see if he would grant her the same privilege of having his.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan studied the woman as she spoke to him. She seemed bright enough and she looked battle worn like anyone else who had survived in the wastelands. Many of the people in Haven looked that way; some more than others.

He wondered what her story was and why she was looking at him the way she was. It caused something to stir in his gut that he thought he had a handle on most of the time.

“My name is Dustan.” He returned the courtesy of introducing himself. He had learned long ago to leave the ‘Prince’ part off his name. I would imagine trekking around in the desert can be taxing on one’s body.” He said with an understanding smile. “I grew up in the desert.” He added, knowing there was no way she wouldn’t think it was this desert.

“There are many things to eat and many places to find water, if you know where to look and what is edible.” As they walked, something caught his eye near the fence. There was a small animal making barking noises. That was not good; it could draw unwanted attention from a wandering zombie.

“Come.” He said softly. At first, he thought it was a small dog, but upon getting close enough to see it, he saw that it was, in fact a very young puppy. “How did he get out there?” he asked before scanning the area around the pup. “What is he barking at?” He looked very closely and on the ground, nearby he saw a zombie with no legs and only one arm chewing on what was left of what must have been the puppy’s mother.

Dustan cursed in Arabic before scaling the 12-foot high fence, without even touching the razor wire at the top, and dropped down onto the other side. He swiftly pulled out his knife and plunged it into the zombie’s skull. He turned and looked at the now cowering puppy.

“It’s ok, little one. I shall not hurt you.” He said softly and lowered himself to the ground. The puppy skirted around him and into a shallow burrowed hole in the ground. Dustan turned to look and there were two more pups, one looked like his mother had probably rescued it from the zombie.

He looked over at Alexia, “It’s her litter.” He whispered as loud as he could so that she could just hear him. He needed to shut the little barker up so he reached in the hole and grabbed him. He yipped once and struggled but Dustan stuffed him in his shirt. He quickly grabbed the other two and stuffed them in his shirt. Once again, he went over the fence, just a little more carefully.

Once on the other side, he was forced to take the spunky little creature out of his shirt because he was struggling to see out. He handed him to Lexy, hoping a calmer hand would cool his jets. “He will make a good alarm dog.” He said as he carefully removed the other two from his shirt.

“No broken skin, good, we won’t have to kill a baby today. “He sighed with relief, “I think he just had a very frightful experience.” He snuggled the two quiet babies close to him. “Let’s go put them with Lucy, she has a litter this age, I’m sure she’ll adopt them, come on, it’s on the way to the cafeteria, so is the guard on watch, I need to report that straggler. “Once again he began walking toward the town center.

[alexiafallon]

As they passed where she had settled her bow and quiver down while she had been watching them. She picked them up and deftly swung them into place over her back. Without missing a beat or step beside him. "Dustan... That's a nice name." It was it was a warm name. Something that rolled off the tongue easily. Realizing she had been staring she quickly shifted her gaze from him to the little barking terror, in the distance.

He wouldn't have to ask her twice to 'come' with him as they headed toward the fence. She knew the danger that noise brought all too well. Where she had been hungry before was now seized with a little tinge of fear. Already she was pulling her bow preparing herself for whatever might be on the other side of the fence they had yet to see. As her steps quickened with his own movements towards the fence.


"No clue" As they reached the fence, she had been taking aim only to turn her bow quickly when Dustan landed in her sights and felled the zombie with his dagger. Glancing to the fence then back at him, she tilted her head curiosity showed in her features. It was as if he hadn't even touched the fence. How the hell? Alexia was thankful that she could hold her shot without hurting him. Taking up a guarding stance, she watched him guarded him until he had gathered the little yipper and his litter mates.

"You got them?" She was being very watchful and attentive putting up her bow and the arrow only once he was safely on the other side of the fence. Turning back she watched him pull the little one out as he offered it to her. She coo'ed the little creature was spunky and started to lick for her face. " Aww there now you little Spook..." Rubbing the pup's head. " It's alright." Yes, there was a nurturing side to her; she wasn't all hard ass through she had her moments. " Yes, he will we just have to get him to learn once it's over to keep quiet." Laughing when the little beast wiggled for her chin with flicking tongue.

As he spoke about the others that pit of fear started to subside, she glanced up and nodded. " I think that's the best news anyone could get." As he spoke of not having to kill any babies this day. When he spoke of Lucy, she arched her brow a little then nodded. " Alright." Falling into step with him. Her rich voice calming the pup right down as she carried him. " Shh it's alright Spooky." having dubbed the little alarm dog of that name. As they moved towards the town center.

"So is Lucy your dog? " Curiously asking him about the dog she figured might be his pet. There was still much she had to learn about Haven and its residents. Ways that she was not used to and things she had to settle into. A careful glance back towards the desert given seeing the fence and realizing for once she was safe. If only for a little while.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan was not surprised that the first thing the woman did was name the dog. Women had this need to label things. It was something he had observed throughout time. Especially if it was a baby. Even the most hardened of hearts in the women he had met would melt, even if it was for only a moment and it only showed in the eyes. “I think he’s a Killer.” He chuckled softly as he tended to the quieter of the lot.

“No, Lucy is a camp dog. They are all camp dogs. Dogs here are soldiers. If they pick someone to spend time with, its more of a partnership. If they earn their keep, they get to eat. If not, just like the rest of us, they are on their own.” He expalianed to her. It wasn’t much different here in Haven than it was in New Vegas, only here, you had a choice to not let something eat you.

As they approached the busy, townlike area of Haven, Dustan made a beelinefor the stables. “Alred, I have some new recruits for the alarm system.” He called out. A large redheaded man who was pounding out a horseshoe put his tools down to take notice of Dustan.

“Pups I see.” He said in a deep yet jovial voice. “Those look like Sniff and Gunner.” He said and reached for one of the pups. “Sniff ran off to have her pups, She came back a couple times after she had them, just long enough to eat and run off again.” He looked past Dustan and Alexia, “Where’s sniff?” he asked, but before Dustan could answer his eyes dropped to the little bundle of licks he was holding onto, “No, don’t tell me.” He said sadly. One would not have thought a man that burly could be capable of that much sadness. “Well, lets see if Lucy will take them in, lord knows she’s got plenty of milk with two coming stillborn.” He walked over to a box under a workbench and gently pulled it out. He was met with a deep growl as the large German shepherd looked up at him. “Don’t worry little lady, just got you some orphans.” He presented the pup for her inspection and sighed with relief that she began cleaning him, “That’s right girl, these are Gunner’s whelps, just like your lot.” He reached for the other one as Dustan handed him to her and placed him in with her. He turned and looked an Alexia, “Best to give him up now, or ya never will.” He said with care in his voice and his hand held out for the pup. “Better let me put him in, she ain’t use to you. “ he warned.

Dustan waited patiently to see if she would give up the pup. He was too young to be weaned yet and she seemed sensible enough. “That’s alright Alred, we’ll be around to visit the little lads.” He offered. “Isn’t that right, Lexie?” he smiled softly at her, “Lets put the lad in so he can get some nourishment and we’ll continue our trek to the mess hall.” He took a few steps toward something that smelled incredible.

[alexiafallon]

Women had a need to name things? Why did all men have the need to make something a killer or a spike or something harsh and relentless? It did cause her to smirk a little though as he said it and even laugh when the little runt grunted then gave a yip of delight at Dustan's choice of a name for him. " Alright you both win... He's Killer, I guess." Shaking her head as they continued on towards the camp to drop off the dogs.

Quietly, she had played with the pup while they walked listening to his words. Nodding here and there as he explained about Lucy and the camp dogs. Sighing a little, though she knew he was right there had been only a few that traveled with her caravan and most didn't live past their bonded human friends. Following him in the beeline to the stables she smiled as she moved up to the man named Alred.

While she watched him talking about sniff and Gunner, she sighed, Yes it was great to hold something so tiny and full of life, but Alexia knew that the best place for the pup was not with her. It was still too young and needed care she could not and did not have the time to give it. Glancing weirdly at the two men who seemed to think she would be stupid and clingy to the pet. "Yes, your right Alred. I would not wish to cause a problem with the chance of her not taking it. It might be best to let some of your scent on him cover up mine as well. Since I'm the new one I would think my scent on him might cause her not to accept him so easily."

She was clearly well versed in the care of animals. As she gave the mother dog, a nice girth with the care of someone who did not wish to upset her. Looking to Dustan and Alred. " Yes, we will be around, I'd love to see how he grows up and turns out. " Placing a hand on Dustan's shoulder as she passed to move out of the stables ahead of him. " Pleasure to meet you Alred" calling over her shoulder. Her gait was easy going and yet still graceful as she fell in step with Dustan towards the incredible smells of the mess hall. Glancing over to Dustan, she had to speak. " Do I make you nervous?" Blunt and to the point she spoke now to him.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan watched for a moment as the last pup was placed with his new mother and smiled when she immediately began cleaning him and was met with an enthusiastic face washing by her new welp. He moved to accompany Alexia and tilted his head curiously at her question. He was not aware that he had given her any indication that he might be even remotely nervous in her company.

There was an easy way to show her his ease with her proximity so he slipped his hand into hers, folding his fingers around hers in a friendly way. "Whatever would have made you think that?" he said with a soft smile.He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze but kept his grip light so she could take her hand away if she wanted.

It was not a long trip to the mess hall and he smiled at the aroma of fress cooked eggs and crisp bacon. He led Alexia to the end of the line, picked up a tray and handed it to her. He picked up a tray of his own and waited for her to take the lead. He would never endeavor to go before a woman where food was concerned, especially when food was more scarce these days. One man could make a hundred babies every day but a woman could only make one baby every nine months, therefore they were more important than a man. It was not that he thought women were weaker but women were the key to the survival of the human race.

Dustan had made children with some of the women in the camp for the purpose of procreation and because some of the women were unwed and wished to have children, some had husbands that could not make children so he helped out. It was his duty. It was then that one of his children walked up and stood behind him, taking a handful of trousers in his little hand, "Father" a tiny voice said.

He looked down and turned to lift the child into his arms, "Hello Armin." he said cheerfully.The 3 year old child immediately put his head on Dustan's shoulder and sighed. Dustan looked troubled and reached around to feel the childs forehead. "Where is your Mommy and Daddy, my son?" he asked, "You are very warm." There was concern in his face. A man approached him with his arms out, "I'll take him Dustan, thank you. He is getting teeth again, his molars are coming in." the man explained.

Dustan peeled the child from his shoulder and handed him to the man, "It is quite alright, Mitchell, I will always have time for our son." he stroked the child's hair gently, "Go with your Daddy. I will come see you later, maybe I will find you a treat." the child smiled and waved at Dustan as Mitchell walked away. He turned back to the food line and held his tray out for the server to put food on his plate.

He realized that Alexia might not understand what just happened so he explained as he filled his tray. "I am Armin's father, Mitchell is his Daddy. I helped Mitchell and his wife to conceive the child. Armin will always know who I am and I will always be there for him, but Mitchell is his Daddy." he reached out and took a fresh backed muffin from the bread bin. "I have 5 children here. They all know that I am their father but they have their parents to raise them."

This might not have been the way of the world before the apocalypse and it may have even been seen as wrong by society standards, but now, it was a common thing and by far a necessary thing. Dustan's donation were always made with the husbands knowledge and blessing. More often than not, they would be present and blocking their wife's view of their benefactor, keeping eye contact with them until the deed was done.

There was never any jealousy, at least not yet. They knew when they chose Dustan that he was not doing it for the sex but for the greater good of Haven. His only requirement was that he played a part in the raising of the children and that they would always know who he was. If anything ever happened to the parents, he would raise the child. "Do you have any children?" he asked curiously. He could imagine her big with child and it was a lovely thought.

[alexiafallon]

Alexia was relieved to see that the mother dog accepted the little fiesty pup into her litter with a whimper and well placed licks. For a moment, she was mesmerized and felt a little attached to the pup before her. Much like her the little beast had been taken in by another mother and cared for. She had no doubt that she would take good care of the pup, and he would grow up nice and strong much like she had under the care and support of her adoptive mother.

As she had asked her question of him being nervous around her, she didn't seem shy or upset when he took her hand. The curve of his fingers sent a chill up her arm of pleasure and oddly comfort. For only a brief second her fingers hesitated before the curl of her fingers could be met to his squeeze. She kept her hand in his then finding the comfort he gave her a relief. She felt as if she could breathe for the first time in days. "I dunno your just different than most of the people I use to know. " Her words were thoughtful as she pondered his question. " You seem here, but distant as if your... or well, you were scared to allow anyone to see the true you. " She glanced over at him and looked back out. " Clearly I was wrong." As she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Moving with him towards the mess hall. The food smelled amazing.

As they stepped up into the line of the mess hall, she was or had intended to fall in line behind him. Surprised when he offered her the tray. She had released his hand then finally only so she could properly support the tray. It was done with a slight reluctance that she hoped noone or at least he hadn't noticed. Placing the tray upon the line she started to move down. Getting her rationing of food as they moved. It was the small voice something she hadn't heard in years that caused her to stop as she turned and looked at the sound. She stared for a moment in wonder. A child the first she had seen since she started here. Their small band of traveling families hadn't had children in years.

For a moment, she had lost herself in thought; She had started to think that it wasn't possible anymore. Haven was more than the stories she had been told of it. It gave her hope. Her hand had started to reach for the child unconsciously before she quickly pulled it back and had looked down to her tray when the child's father had approached. She was curious about the fact that the child had called him father, and at first she thought perhaps he was a priest or something like it. Closing her eyes, she had shook the threat of building tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks in the relief she felt.

All this time she had said nothing letting him fill her in before she spoke " I haven't seen a child in near ten years. When I myself was still quite young." Finally looking to him. " All the men in my caravan were barren. At least, We believe all of them were save for Cato. We never... " she shook her head. " No I have not had the pleasure of children, but perhaps someday." Smiling finally she looked at him again. Having successfully kept her tears at bay. Reaching she took a muffin of her own as she turned to wait for him.

" I think you are very fortunate and lucky to have had so many children. I would love to see them all. He after all was a darling little man. " Alexia knew of the sacrifices' husbands and wives made in the hopes to have children it was just unfortunate that it hadn't happened for those as of late. She would move with him to where they could sit down. After seeing how he had handled his son, she started to see Dustan in a different light. Seeing how different he was then Cato she found it gave her an odd attractive pull to him, and it eased the loss of Cato to her. More than he would ever know. The thought that a life here was possible even a child gave her the nervous butterflies darting through her stomach. Even as she tried to eat the delicious food, she was given it made it hard.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan could see Alexia's look of longing after the interaction with his child. Her description of him said volumes as to her feelings about children. He could tell, like any woman of worth, she wanted children. Women who didn't want, or like children, in Dustan's eyes were just men without a penis. It was not normal, he thought, for a woman to not want children. He felt that men should want to be fathers but he knew many that should never beget children, or at least get out of the way once they did.

Dustan wondered who Cato was but she seemed to want to avoid that subject so he did. She would tell him about him when she was ready, if she ever was. He reached across the table and folded his hand around hers. "Alexia, in this place, if you want children, it is not difficult to find a suitable male to help you." he said softly, "I would be willing to help you. If you wanted one." Oh, boy...that didn't turn out the way it normally did. Usually he did not have any sort of reaction to a woman but right then, at that moment, there was no chance of him standing up...

Dustan blushed and let go of her hand. He went back to his food, scooping eggs into his mouth. He chewed for a moment then swallowed, time to salvage this. "I have donated to many couples and single women in Haven, like I said. I have beget 5 children and adopted one. I am a good father and I am healthy." He left out the stipulations he made with everyone he helped. The child must be conceived the old fashioned way, even if done from behind a barrier with the husband holding his wife's hand and the child had to know who he was and he had to have a hand in raising it, even from afar.

This conversation was never this difficult before but for some reason, he REALLY wanted to make a child with her, if only for the opportunity to lay with her...that sounded callous, once more, very unlike him.

[alexiafallon]

Her gaze had started to wander only momentarily about her as she started to notice more of the smaller children wandering about with their families and eating. The hope he had alit within her had surprised even her as thoughts of one day. Possibly ... Eventually she would talk about Cato but for now, he was a memory starting to fade and pass from her mind. As she started to eat some her attention was brought back to Dustan. Listening to him as he began to talk. It was his words that caught her off guard, and she found herself to choke on the drink of water she had started to follow up with after she had taken the bite of eggs.

A bush radiated to her cheeks quickly as she looked at Dustan then felt bad for the rush of heat and attraction, she felt to his offer. As she realized he had started to feel a little uncomfortable for his own comment, she lifted her hand. " I would love to ... I mean maybe one day I ..." how did one accept for another time and all without making themselves sound like they had been already thinking those thoughts about someone they had only just met. She felt the blush in her cheeks getting hotter and ducked her head a little taking off her hat and started to use it to fan herself. " It's really hot.... I." When he let go of her hand, she reluctantly released him. Glancing to her lap.

He had now gotten her started with the thoughts. She found herself wondering what it would be like. " You Ahh you have? " Her fingers played with the hat she now had in her lap. Her hair has started to come loose and fall about her shoulders showing that it was long lush dark locks. Thick lashes rimmed those dark-brown eyes as she watched him." I... would want you to ... I mean I want the father to be around when I have a child. I want to know what my mother and father felt before they died. To know that my child had a father and mother who loved them. " wait. What was she saying? Was she agreeing to have children with this man she had just met? Oh god he was going to think she was nuts. " I mean should I ever choose that Dustan, I would want you there..." Holy hell! Shut up Alexia you're just making this worse. She thought as she quickly took another bite of her food and glanced down knowing she might have just scared off Dustan and her only friend here.

Her eyes, however, couldn't help themselves as she now glanced to him and started to take him in more. He was handsome; her thoughts started to drift to what it would feel like to have his hands on her skin. Was he a different kisser than Cato? What would it be like to kiss someone other than Cato? After all there had only been that one man in her life, and he was gone...

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan decided there was nothing to be ashamed of. He liked her and he had a strong physical and emotional interest in her. He had no woman to call his own, no one to love him, perhaps it was time to let one in. He didn't have parents until he was older, when he was adopted by a king. That man taught him what it meant to be a father. It was an example that he would follow for all his children.

"I was an orphan, a street urchin. I made my way by stealing until I was 11 years old when a kind man adopted me. He showed me what it was to be a man, to be a father. All my children will have the same from me." he stopped fiddling with his food and then told her his secret, without ACTUALLY telling her. "I will always be there for them...always." He looked down at his food and began pushing it around on his plate, "And I will be there for you, when you are ready." this was not followed by a blush. He had decided that he would like to let her in and there was no shame in that.

He had to figure out how to spend some time with her, court her. There was one thing in particular that he could think of. "Would you like to sit by the bonfire with me tonight? There is going to be music and a special treat. Tobias has put some watermelons in the ice house since they got the still running again for the generators." he hoped she would say yes. It would be a good time to spend with her and if he had the courage, maybe he could steal a kiss.

[alexiafallon]

Alexia was caught up in her thoughts for only a second as she allowed herself to play with the images in her mind. To forget about the loss and hardships of the past and to see Dustan the man before her as perhaps something more. Someone she could depend on and have around. A man who knew the responsibilities of having children. He was so different from what she knew and what she had known. A puzzle and a future that she started to want to explore. Even though she had eaten a bit her fork was settled now. Her thoughts on more than the food. Alexia began to think that she could see herself loving the man before her and making a life here in Haven with him. No more wandering the sands and always at risk.

As he spoke of his life, she listened genuinely intrigued. There were questions and things she wanted to ask. To know more. " You sound like you had a wonderful childhood with your adopted father, I would love to hear more of your stories." It was his next words that sealed her fate. Hearing him talking about always being there for his children and her she felt the nervous tension ebb away. Her hand reached out and found his. " Thank you." She looked to her hand having reached out to take his own and saw the contrast in their skin. Her next words sincere. " I hope you would allow me the chance to be there for you as well. I will always have your back Dustan." Her words were true always she would watch out for him now.

Alexia didn't want the meal to be over, she wanted more time with him. The thought of having to go back to chores and rounds once more as well as to settle herself into the assigned place she had been given didn't call to her as much now. So when he offered the Bonfire, she felt her insides alight with excitement and the rush of feelings. "I would actually love that. It sounds wonderful." Perhaps she could find herself simply lost for a moment with him. Realizing she still held his hand having yet to make herself let go, she finally did, but it would be clearly seen that she let go with reluctance her fingers trailing against his flesh and lingered. A happy thought passing through her mind that she had found a place she belonged and a man she would cherish and love.

[Dustan Sands]

Dustan smiled brightly as Alexia's acceptance of his request. He had been alone a long time. Granted he got his sexual gratification from time to time, such as when he created children, but it was not the same and not for selfish reasons. No, he needed the company of a woman, even if it would be for only 40 or 50 years. They would be years for him to cherish.

A sudden whistle and the call of his name came from across the room. He looked up to see Justice beckoning him. "Admiral wants to see you." He heard the deep baritone voice of one of the Admirals right hand men. Dustan nodded then looked at Alexia, "It has been a pleasure to meet you Alexia." He said sweetly. He reached a hand across the table and lightly stroked her cheek with his thumb, "I am looking forward to our date." he stated, just to make it clear that it was indeed a date rather than a casual meeting. He hated when the uncertainty was there so one did not know what to expect. "See you tonight." he added then got up and jogged across the room.

After a three hour meeting with the Admiral who relied on his timeless wisdom, being one of the only ones who was allowed to talk about the fact that he never aged and knew that he was Havens benefactor when it first started. He knew Dustan was a normal human man but he never aged due to his precious ward. Niko understood be he also knew Dustan had lived a very long time through many hardships so he relied on him for advice.

The rest of Dustan's day was spent training the preteens in small weapons combat and the art of the chase. At one point he led them through the town with the challenge of catching him. Considering Dustan rarely stayed on the ground during a chase, he spent a good 30 minutes running across beams and over rooftops with his class of 8 trying to follow. The grin never left his face during this exercise. Two of the children finally caught on and began climbing up onto the wall beams and jumping from rooftop to rooftop to catch him. While they never did catch him, he congratulated all of them on not giving up.

His day was over before he knew it and he returned to his old farmhouse on the edge of the town. Before going in, he climbed up to the roof and checked his rain barrel to make sure there was enough water for a shower and was pleased to see that it was full; nice and warm from the sun.

One of the things he indulged in was a shower with soap Max would acquire for him from New Vegas. It was the body wash that the vampires used that smelled like burned sandalwood. It was good aroma therapy since it smelled so good. Tonight was special so he fully intended on washing quite thoroughly. He showered until the water was gone then dried off. He went to the chest in his bedroom and pulled out something to wear. It was something he had no cause to wear before now. He pulled on a soft pair of leathers made from lambskin with an easy fastener. He never wore undergarments, it was too hot for that. Then he pulled on a loose fitting white shirt which he only buttoned half way, showing off his definition underneath.

He brushed through is hair until it was smooth and shiny then brushed his teeth until they sparkled. He returned to the chest at the foot of his bed and opened in. He carefully sifted through the contents until he found a very old bottle of cologne. He put just a few drops just under his jaw then put it away for future use. He looked in the mirror and considered shaving but chose to trim instead. He liked his facial hair.

After taking great care to get ready, he thought about what he would say. He also thought about the tradition from the previous century to always bring a rose to the first date. He hardly had time to go to the farms and bag Tobias for one so he went to his dresser and opened a box of things he had carved over the years. Perfect...there inside the box was a small wooden rose he had carved and finished with resin so it was glossy. He smiled and out it in his pocket.

Dustan was calm and confident as he walked back to the center or the little town. People were smiling and talking as they moved from place to place. It was good to see the people smiling. As he approached the bonfire at the center of town, he saw her sitting near the fire. He stopped and stared. She was so beautiful sitting there in the firelight that she took his breath away. Someone bumped him as they walked past and he snapped out of it. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the small wooden rose.

Dustan cleared the distance between where he was and where she was sitting quickly. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek and pressed the rose into her hand, "For you." he whispered, "It's nice to see you again Alexia." he said softy as he sat next to her so that their shoulders touched.