It's Nice to Go Trav'ling

Spencer raised his eyebrows and for a moment was silent. He suddenly began to laugh.

"Well that just fractures me. Gonna give it to you straight, baby. Wouldn't be able to tell if you didn't clue me in. Gotta say, you're a fantastic lover for it being your first time."

He took a swig of his soda and placed it on his desk. He could tell that this girl was looking for something more than he could offer, but for the time being, seemed like he was stuck with her. He was thinking of keeping the relationship going for a little while longer and letting her go easy, but he wasn't sure how he would do that. He figured that it didn't mean he couldn't enjoy himself in the meantime. He took a steak to her with some silverware and joined her on the bed.

"Come on doll, let's have some lunch, we've got a long day ahead of us."

Spencer saw an almost hurt look in Sierra's eyes after he laughed so he quickly changed the tone.

"Aw, come on baby, I didn't mean it to poke fun at you. It's just that I didn't quite expect that. Listen, what you're doing for me is huge. I would not be alive without you. You're basically putting your life on hold to help essentially a complete stranger. I admire your selflessness. Now, what do you say we get some music going on?"

Spencer reached across the bed for the radio. He turned it on and was greeted by "Jukebox Blues."

www.youtube.com/watchv=EMBlGExBrUA

"Now, I found out from Cliff at the gift shop that the guys that left me for dead on the side of the road are heading to Red Rock Canyon. That's at least a full days journey, and I know from experience that you don't just go to the Chem Capitol of the world for one night. With the kind of scratch they have, we're looking at these guys staying for a days, if not weeks," Spencer said in between bites. The song had ended and now Mr. New Vegas was giving some news. This time it was recent news, not just the recordings that are played long past the story's shelf life.

"In other news, Spencer Evans, the Chairman's liaison to the NCR has mysteriously disappeared without a trace. According to a statement from Tops Casino Owner, Swank, there will be a full blown investigation into the case. That's all for now folks, I'm Mr. New Ve-"

Spencer shut off the radio before he could finish.

Spencer choked on his steak for a moment and put the plate down. He cleared his throat and took a few deep breaths.

"You really go for the tough questions early, don't you, pussycat. I can see how my wording would make it sound like I was... but- I... you see... it's just that..."

"Yes. A long time ago I was. I've been clean and sober for almost 8 years now. That was a dark time in my life, but I'm a changed man now, baby. Come on, let's forget about the past and focus on what's important, okay? Now, is there anything I could do to make this up to you?" he said slyly, scooting closer to Sierra.

Spencer chuckled. This was certainly not the first time he had been turned down, but that time he used the idea of sex as more of a conversation changer. He suddenly realized how tired he was too. It may have only been about noon, but having not slept the night before and being dragged around in a cart for god knows how long, a wave of exhaustion overtook the Chairman. He slowly closed his eyes and began to drift off to sleep.

He thought that he was only going to take a short nap, but when he awoke, his watch revealed he had been asleep for 11 hours.

"Natalie...", Spencer mumbled, half asleep. He could feel a woman's body pressed against his, her hair cascading over his forearm. He opened his eyes, expecting to see the dark haired beauty who he had been engaged to before her death three years prior, but only found Sierra instead. He started up, confused by his surroundings. He buried his face in his hands when he finally remembered. He sighed heavily and placed his feet on the floor. His head was pounding, a mix of hunger and stress, adding to the confusion.

Spencer sat up from the bed and walked to the small bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face and looked into the mirror. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair was messy, and he had not shaved in several days. He hardly recognized himself.

Spencer moved to the desk for a cigarette but discovered that the pack was empty. He sighed again and began getting dressed.

Spencer laughed and rubbed his face.

"Thanks. Needed the confidence boost. I just need a razor and some pomade and I'll just be as right as rain."

Spencer was buttoning his shirt as Sierra handed him her pistol.

"Don't you think you're moving a bit fast here? I don't want to run into Khan territory head on. I want some time to plan. Maybe even make some caps around time. Don't think I'll be needing that quite yet."

Spencer left the jacket in it's place on the chair- the clouds that were covering the area were beginning to clear.

"I'm gonna head out for cigarettes, be right back," Spencer said. He reached the door and froze when Sierra asked him who Natalie was.

"She- well. She was someone who was very important to me. We were engaged until she was killed three years ago. I need to go."

He quickly shut the door behind him and made his way to the gift shop.

15 minutes later, Spencer returned to the room. He found Sierra asleep and the note on the bed. He read it and sighed. He lit a cigarette and gently nudged Sierra.

"You sure do like to sleep, don't you," he said with a weak chuckle. He cleared his throat and there was an obvious softness behind his eyes.

"There's no way you could have known about Natalie. Don't beat yourself up about it, kid. And I gotta be honest. I'm not good at relationships. She was my first and my last serious relationship. Anything before and after that had been one night stands. Problem is, I'm not good at being alone neither. So how about for now, we try to work something out. Nothing serious, just something fun for both of us and we'll see where that takes us. Seems like we're stuck with each other, anyways," he said laughing softly. "So how does that sound to you?"