Nora and Shaun were curled up in her old bedroom. Hancock stood in the doorway, watching the light from the cracks in the wall wash over them. He observed them for a minute. They looked so perfect wrapped together, everything he wanted but didn't feel he deserved. Hancock smiled when Shaun grinned in his sleep. He reached down to run his fingers through the boys hair, only to be met with a familiar pair of blue eyes.
"Come to say goodbye?" Nora croaked. Even in the darkness he could see that her eyes were rimmed red, wet trails streaking her cheeks.
"Thought you were asleep." He breathed, his heart beating out of his chest.
She shook her head and refused to meet his eyes. Hancock bent down beside the bed.
"I'm sorry Nora," He whispered. His throat closed up and he felt like he might choke on his own words.
Nora bit her lip, waiting for him to say more.
"You know I love you, both of you." He ran his fingers over Shaun's wrist.
Although he hadn't known the kid for long, he cared about Shaun. He wasn't even Nora's biological son and he was willing to do whatever he could for him. Hancock had only sort of met the real Shaun, or Father once. He had gone with her to meet him above the C.I.T. ruins, staying in the shadows to avoid being seen. Father had been self-centered and bigoted, completely unable to accept anything other than his pristine Institute. Hancock knew he couldn't have changed. He'd grown up brainwashed by the Commonwealth's biggest mystery, but that didn't make him any less pissed off. Father had given Nora nothing but grief from the moment she stepped into the Institute. The only kindness he had ever showed her was leaving Shaun behind.
"Why do you want to leave then?" Nora sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
Hancock sighed, "I...I don't wanna leave darlin', I just feel like I should." He looked up to find her gaze back on him. "I don't deserve all of this...I ain't cut out for it," He mumbled.
The room was quiet for what felt like an eternity to Hancock. Finally Nora sighed, "I'm sorry that I screamed at you." She reached over Shaun, taking his hand in her's.
That hadn't been quite what he expected.
"I know this is hard for you...I don't want you to think I don't know that. It just pissed me off. We've been through all of this shit together and you wanna skip out on us? I thought we were family."
Hancock squeezed her hand, trying to find the right words.
Nora took a deep strangled breath, "Did...did you ever want us to be? I mean, you said you couldn't walk out on me."
"I meant everything I said Nora." He gulped, "I'm just scared of losing either of you. I'm scared you want me to fill Nate's place and I don't feel like I can give Shaun everything he needs." Hancock ran his free hand over his face. "I'm scared I don't belong here."
His forehead rested against the edge of the mattress, squeezing his eyes shut. It was hard being this transparent, even with Nora. He felt pathetic. He heard her sigh and felt her wiggle her hand out of his. For a moment he was worried she was gone for good, but he soon felt her arms around his shoulders. Nora pulled him away from the bed, resting his back against her chest.
She kissed against his temple. "I know you're scared," She murmured. Hancock's throat tightened and he couldn't keep his shoulders from shaking. Nora held him tighter, "You'll never lose us. Shaun and I aren't going anywhere." She kissed his cheek, "I don't want you to take Nate's place. I want whatever is most comfortable for you and for Shaun. I don't know if he wants a father...we haven't talked about that. But I know he loves and looks up to you John. All he wants and needs is you to be there for him." Nora's breath washed over his ear and Hancock realized he was crying. "You do belong here. We want you here. Why do you think all of this?" She removed his hat and ran her hand over his bare scalp.
"I ain't ever been good to family. All I ever did was hurt my folks. Ran off to Goodneighbor every chance I got. Had them both worried sick over where I was or what I was doin'." A shiver ran down his spine.
"You're good to us." Nora whispered, "You tell Shaun he's getting taller. You hold me when I cry about the Institute and...him." She took a deep breath, "You give Shaun piggy-back rides every time he asks, no matter how many times he asks. You make me dinner even though your cooking is...sub-par."
Hancock couldn't help but smirk, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. "You ate that burnt Brahmin steak I made for your birthday."
Nora made a retching noise, "Ugh, don't remind me." He laughed harder, the ache in his chest painfully heavy.
She released him from her grip, moving in front so she could face him. Nora took his hands in her's and smiled. "I want you to be happy John. If you honestly want to leave I won't stop you. But if you really want to stay, just know that you do belong with us. You're not out of place, you're our family."
Hancock didn't know what to say. He just looked at her, a dopey grin forming on his face.
"What?" Nora giggled, her freckled nose wrinkling.
"You're the best damn thing thats ever happened to me."
She blushed, that pretty smooth skin turning a deep pink. He reached his arms out and Nora climbed in, settling on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and Hancock hugged her tightly.
"I'm sorry," He whispered.
Nora shook her head, kissing the rough skin on his neck, "Shh," She breathed, "Quit saying that or I'll give you something to be sorry about." Her soft lips traced down his throat to his collar bone. Hancock sighed, pressing her closer. He bit into the smooth flesh of her shoulder, nipping hard enough to make her yelp. When Nora looked up at him he shot her a devilish smirk, "Oh sweetheart," He growled, "I'd kill for you to make me the sorriest man alive."