The Strip was alive in a way the Wasteland never could be—neon lights pulsing like a heartbeat, music spilling from every casino, and the ever-present clatter of caps changing hands. After weeks of dust, danger, and ration bars, it felt like stepping into another world.

You and Lucy had finally made it. Vault 33’s brightest and your stubborn, half-limping self. You’d fought off raiders, bartered with caravaners, and somehow survived a malfunctioning Protectron with a flamethrower. You earned this.

So you spent the caps. Too many, honestly. But the hotel suite was clean, the water was hot, and for once, you didn’t have to sleep with one eye open.

Lucy had gone to shower, humming some old-world tune as she disappeared into the bathroom. You figured she’d be a while—she always took her time marveling at things like shampoo and hot water pressure—so you slipped downstairs to the casino bar for a drink.

The place was buzzing. Laughter, slot machines, the low croon of a lounge singer in the distance. You nursed your drink, letting yourself relax for the first time in what felt like forever.

Then—

“Hey!”

You turned.

And nearly dropped your glass.

Lucy stood at the edge of the bar, waving with both hands like she was flagging down a Brahmin caravan. But it wasn’t the wave that stunned you.

It was her.

Gone was the dusty jumpsuit and the ever-present ponytail. Her hair now fell in soft waves around her shoulders, catching the casino lights like strands of gold. Her eyes—those big, earnest bug eyes—were lined with just enough makeup to make them pop, wide and curious as ever. And the dress… a soft yellow, simple but elegant, like something out of a pre-war postcard.

You stared, mouth slightly open.

She blinked, tilting her head.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, her voice as sweet and sincere as ever.

You opened your mouth. Closed it. Tried again. Nothing came out.

Because what you wanted to say was: You’re beautiful.

But all you managed was a small shake of your head.

She smiled, oblivious to the effect she had, and slid onto the stool beside you.

“This place is amazing!” she whispered, eyes darting around the casino. “I saw a robot juggling! And someone gave me a free drink just for smiling! I think it was called a ‘Sunset Surprise’? It tasted like fruit!”

You chuckled, still trying to process the transformation sitting beside you.

She leaned in, resting her chin on her hand.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” she said, softer now.

You looked at her, heart thudding.

She caught your gaze and smiled again, wide and warm.

“Okey dokey,” she said, raising her glass. “To surviving the Wasteland!”