Madeline Pursues Arcade

The time that Madeline spent at the Old Morman Fort led her to many thoughts. One of which was a strange fascination with the reserved Dr. Arcade Gannon. Maybe it was the fact that he was sullen and didn't seem to notice her. She was used to being perused herself. Maybe she even felt a tinge of anger that he _hadn't _perused her. She had worked hand in hand with him. Hard and nasty labor side by side. And yet, she had not felt that he was overly friendly, despite her own flirtations.

One evening she decided to press the issue. Finding Arcade in one of the Towers of the Morman Fort amid the laboratory paraphernalia she approached the tall blonde doctor, busy looking over his glasses at various readings and a bubbling tumbler of some chemical.

"Oh hello Madeline." Arcade said over his glasses.

"Hey." Madeline smiled seductively "What are you studying?"

"Just some recent lab experiments with Cazador poison. Quite fascinating." He took his eyes away from Madeline and looked at the grueling chemicals over a hot plate.

"You," Madeline paused with a small tilt of her head "wanna take a break?" She stepped forward.

"I just kind of got going here and I don't think I wou--" Madeline cut him off with a quick kiss.

He didn't resist her lips. Indeed he seemed stunned and taken aback more than anything. Madeline felt his arms move to her body. Then push her away. It was a gentle but firm push. Madeline blushed.

"I'm...I'm so sorry," Madeline said taking a step back. "I just thought..."

"It's okay Madeline." Arcade said with a sincere grin. "I'm not mad. Its just that....Just..."

"Just what?" Madeline said a glimmer of hope in her voice. She hadn't fallen for him but she was shocked to be rebuffed and there was sentiment of mutual attraction between them she thought.

"You see Madeline its just that..." he took his glasses before continuing "I...prefer men."

"Oh." Madeline said her eyes wide. She had heard stories about people being "a fairy" or "queer" in the Vault, but it was al so risque that no one talked about it. Even if a few people had suspected one of the janitors to stare at the men of the vault a bit too hard.

"I--I'm really sorry I--I didn't know." Madeline said looking anywhere but on Aracade.

"Its okay. I know its not...socially acceptable. That is why I haven't exactly come out about it if you must know." Arcade said.

"So its not me?" Madeline said looking at him questioningly.

"No no not at all." he actually giggled "You are a catch. I just like men instead Madeline. Look, don't feel bad. Really."

"This is awkward now."

"It shouldn't be." He said "You have been a great friend to the Followers. I really appreciate that. You are always welcome here."

After a few caring exchange of words Madeline beat a hasty retreat.

_Well it was worth a shot_ she thought to herself.

After a few awkward days of still helping out she decided to head on her way. She had her mission to worry about after all, not some handsome intellectual who didn't even want her. She gave her farewells and the Followers were sad to see her go, but they understood she needed to head on her journey. She was guided through the toughest areas of Freeside until she got to the gate of the New Vegas Strip.