It seemed to Nathan that everyday in Hope County was the same. Wake up, try not to die in whatever situation he found himself in, receive praise, rince repeat. The monotony of it helped desensitize him to all he saw. Day after day if it wasn't some peggie's body parts being flung everywhere it was him in a near death situation that caused him question himself. Despite all of that, he became proficient at killing, being desensitized had it's benefits it seemed.

He wasn't loosing his grip on his sanity, at least he hoped not, though there were times he would wake up in the middle of the night frantically grasping at his rifle to defend himself from imaginary attackers. His companions would restrain him when he'd wake up shouting obscenities at some imaginary peggie.

When confronted, he'd just chalk it up to just him being paranoid, but with good reason.

Up to this point, a sense of security did not exist for Nathan. Safety wasn't part of the job unfortunately, and with friends who had been doing this longer than he had he couldn't confine in them. He didn't want to seem like he couldn't handle things. Confine in them about what? Oh nothing, just the fact that he didn't exactly sign up for all of this. He suspected they knew of his disdain towards all he was doing, but never spoke up.

In moments of weakness, Nathan felt that he had done nothing to deserve what was happening. Not just being flung into an all-out war between a cult and the angry residents of the town, but everything... He learned to ignore those feelings for the sake of the residents of Hope County. Whatever he had been through, the residents of the county had been through that and much worse and for a much longer time than he had. He had to be strong for them, had to keep the image of "invincibility deputy" intact.

It's just... In John's territory not only had he been tattooed with rusty fucking equipment that left an ugly scar spelling 'WRATH' but then he had the ever unpleasant experience of seeing his friend have a piece of his flesh torn off. Jacob's territory was.. oh boy, that was much fucking worse...

Running didn't help you when you were being hunted Nathan learned thay quickly. All he would feel was the sharp stab of the arrow, his sight going red thanks to the poison and then he would wake up to his worst nightmare. Being starved to near death was something he wasn't going to miss, as well as the murdering of innocent Whitetail Militia members, though the latter would probably be unavoidable in the near future. Nathan didn't like it, but that's the way it'd have to be, unless they managed to completely avoid them, which would be impossible.

His trip to the Henbane River was much better thankfully, though the bar was already set extremely low so there was no way to go but up. Things were definitely beginning to look up once he got to the river. Instead of fearing being captured and getting the shit kicked out him, all he had to fear were the mild headaches he got after waking up from a pleasant Bliss trip. Faith Seed didn't immediately resort to violence like her brothers did thankfully. She was rather nice to him, and though she eventually became hostile, he never really felt as threatened or as in danger as in other regions. He knew this was all part of her manipulation act, play the innocent, friendly girl who had been through so much pain to lure him in out of sympathy. To convince him that because the Father had offered a better place to someone as broken as her, he'd do the same for him. It didn't work though, Nathan wasn't as naive as people thought.

After their inevitable confrontation, when he should have left her to die he didn't. He took her to the jailhouse to get medical attention and from there the rest is as they say history, and a rather depressing one in his opinion. Things could only get better right? He sure hoped so...

.

In the days following after their night out dancing, Faith saw Nathan's demeanor revert back to it's usual one of depression. Sure he wasn't as sad anymore but she could see he still had that look of hurt. Seemed like their dancing could only do so much for such a small amount of time.

It wasn't like she was perfectly happy either.

It felt terrible to know she had caused this, despite Nathan reassuring her several times she hadn't. There were several sleepless nights when she would contemplate turning herself in just to keep Nathan safe, but she couldn't leave him now. They were all they had and nothing guaranteed he'd be welcomed back into the Resistance with open arms.

Maybe it was her being inadvertently selfish. She didn't want to let him go but knew he deserved to live his life to the best he could.

He couldn't exactly do that while on the run...

What about that Jess girl?

Faith was aware that Nathan and her were very close, he had told her a few days ago. Faith never appeared as a Bliss hallucination when she was around, only when Nathan was alone or with his dog. He told her of all he had been through with her, he sounded like he really valued her. Faith wasn't going to lie to herself, she did feel a pang of jealousy at they way he talked about her.

What if Nathan was really meant to be with her, but I just had to intervene didn't I? He told Faith that Jess was his best friend but that got her thinking. Had he not saved her that day, would have Nathan eventually gone further with Jess? Faith didn't want to think about it anymore.

She decided to distract herself with other things. She noticed that their food supplies were running short. The house had food but it was mostly things that needed to be cooked like eggs and stuff. Maybe the prepper bunker outside had more? Faith would have to ask Nathan later.

There was also a surprising lack of activity in the area. According to John before he died, Holland Valley had been full of Resistance members. He had managed to successfully take Falls End but even then, there were many hideouts where people could be hiding.

This had been Nathan's first stop on his mission to take down Eden's Gate, and if she was honest, she didn't think he'd make it. John was brutal with his methods of saving people, something she personally didn't approve but the Father seemed to understand. Violence was never really her style, it was easier to gain people's trust and loyalty than to have them be forced to obey. John and Jacob learned that the hard way and to some extent herself included. Nathan was like a one man army, nothing could bring him down it seemed.

When she first met him she was ready for the worst. She knew it was up to her to either convert him or get rid of him, not wanting to meet the same fate as her brothers. Faith was pleasantly surprised at his overall calm attitude, not once did he ever raise a weapon at her when she would appear to him. He would voice his discomfort at her appearing at sometimes late hours of the night, spooking him.

Of course, it didn't take him long to destroy everything she built. Faith should've hated him for what he did, and for a short time she did, but she came to forgive him. Had he truly been this monster he wouldn't have let her live. Their friendship quickly grew in such a short time. Nathan always had time for her and she always had time for him. Of course, Jess wasn't all too happy and she had something to say about it as well.

She came into her room one day and attacked her, threatening her that if she got up to any of her "old tricks" she'd be dead. Nathan found out pretty quickly, but Faith never told him so either Jess did or he found out on his own. It wasn't hard, she had a bruise in her left cheek that she didn't do a very good attempt at hiding.

Over the course of several days she noticed how Nathan came back looking very alarmed, always looking around. When asked he'd tell her that the Cougars weren't very happy with her living arrangements. He would try his best to reassure her that everything was fine though he wasn't very good at lying, didn't seem to believe it himself. He always had his weapons in their holsters, when once he used to drop them off at the gunsmith near the entrance. He'd stick around in her room till she fell asleep, and then he'd walk around the area seemingly keeping any wandering Cougars at bay, making it more and more evident that no, nothing was "alright"... He talked about getting her out of there but couldn't due to the Cougars being very vigilant of what he did and other regions being somewhat untrusting of him. Faith understood the severity of the situation pretty quick, he was on thin ice with them. It wouldn't take long for it to shatter, bringing on a whole new list of problems.

To Faith, it was clear that he had shattered the image of that of justice the Resistance had associated with him.

He would bring her food she knew wasn't from the jailhouse, they ate rations and stuff like that. Apparently he had to bring her the food smuggled in from outside, Cougars weren't gonna bother trying to feed her. To them starving her would be a blessing! Her food had to come a little later because Nathan had to figure out ways to bring it in. Things kept escalating from there. There wasn't a day Nathan and the Resistance weren't at each other's throats regarding her. Petty arguments, cruel comments, that fistfight with the drunk member and of course, it all culminated till the Cougars and Nathan reached their breaking point. Soon, Nathan and Faith were on the run from the people Nathan once called allies. Faith knew there were still people who trusted him but those were more than likely in the minority, mostly everyone hated him.

One thing Faith herself missed, apart from everything, was Tracey...

They used to be best friends before Eden's Gate arrived. They had a bond that couldn't compare. Of course, Faith eventually left to join the Father's flock, begging Tracey to come with her. Tracey absolutely refused to even listen to her offer saying she was a traitor. It hurt at first but with the Father's guidance, Faith learned to cope with Tracey's absence over the course of several years, though she always hoped things had been different...

Now things definitely were different, Tracey wanted her and Nathan dead. She hated her for who she became, and Faith couldn't blame her. It didn't stop it from hurting any less. I'm sorry for everything I did to you Tracey

Despite all of that, while she wasn't exactly the happiest she's been with life, Faith felt it was going to be alright. She only hoped the same could apply to Nathan...

.

Nathan was awaken by the sounds of someone singing. He rubbed his eyes and blinked a couple of times to get rid of the grogginess. Looking around he saw a bit of sunlight streaming through the window blinds. He could still hear the singing, more specifically, her singing. Sitting up from the couch he glanced at the clock. What's she even doing up at seven thirty? They went to sleep awfully late, around three in the in the morning. Nathan could make out the words, despite her quiet voice

"A rose must remain, with the sun and the rain or it's lovely promise won't come true... To each his own, to each his own, and my own is you..."

Her soft voice carried through the open door of the room. Funny, he didn't think she liked any other type music aside from Eden's Gate church hymns. John's egotistical song was his personal favorite. Nathan relaxed in the couch for a few more minutes, listening to her sing.

He contemplated going over to her but decided not to, he didn't want to intrude. Thankfully he didn't have to as he heard her footsteps make their way over to the living room. Had she heard him shuffling around? Faith soon stepped into the living room, she gave Nathan a bright smile and took a seat next to him.

"Y'know, Al Martino isn't something bad to wake up to..." Nathan commented. And it wasn't, not with a voice like hers. Faith's eyebrows raised slightly, and her face turned red.

"Oh, you heard that? I had hoped you had barely woken up just now..." Nathan looked at her with a confused expression.

"Why do you look embarrassed? I've heard you sing many times before, and have even complimented you on it. Plus, you've also heard me sing before."

Nathan reassured her. Faith nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. Nathan didn't know how long it had been since he felt so at peace. Everything just felt right when Faith was around. Maybe it was time they talked...

"Hey, can I ask you something?" Faith asked. Nathan nodded.

"Nathan I know I've already asked you this, but how do you feel about what's been going on now?" Faith needed confirmation that he was truly alright, though she knew he more than likely wasn't. She wanted to be there for him.

This wasn't a topic of conversation Nathan had been expecting at seven in the morning, or ever honestly. It brought back way too many unpleasant memories that he had hoped to at least keep away for a while. Faith looked at him expectantly and Nathan averted his eyes for a moment and sighed. How do I feel?...

"I still feel hurt, betrayed and angry. I was immediately discarded for not agreeing that you were the worst thing to ever happen since Joseph. I'm not saying they didn't have a right to be angry, but they went completely overboard with things." He stopped. Nathan wondered day after day the same thing: Why wouldn't they listen?

"Are you done with the Resistance?" That was a good question. One Nathan had the answer for.

"They won't stop till you're dead. I may have been hesitant about all this at the beginning but not now. Faith, you're all I have now and I promised to keep you safe didn't I? So, as much as it pains me to admit it, I am done with the Resistance." Nathan answered honestly. He would still help any residents in need, just not under the pretence of fighting for the Resistance. No, he was fighting for Faith's safety and that was it.

Faith could sympathize with Nathan. He had been through a lot but was always willing to give.

"Nathan, you can take a break if you want to, the I can wait. The world can wait..." Faith wrapped her arms around his neck. Nathan laughed softly.

"Isn't that what we're doing here, forgetting all our problems?" His question was met with a light slap on his shoulder.

"You know what I mean. You've done nothing but worry about me or the Resistance. It's fine Nathan, they don't seem to be actively looking for us here and I'm perfectly fine." Faith ran her fingers through his wavy hair, helping him calm his nerves.

Nathan nodded his head, maybe she was right. It wouldn't hurt to be a little selfish right? He could just spend his time here with Faith, enjoying the feeling of not running for their lives. I've given so much of me already, it's only fair I take a break...

"Yeah sure, I can do that." That night out dancing had really helped clear his mind. Maybe they could do that again or something similar. Nathan didn't know or care honestly, as longs as she enjoyed it and he could clear his troubled mind.

"Perfect, do you think you can actually stick to that?" Faith asked. Nathan figured he could, it should be easy for him.

"As long as I have you with me, I definitely can..."

Faith smiled and gently pulled his head towards her's and Nathan took that as a sign of initiative. Placing his lips against her's, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their lips moved slowly in perfect sync. Nathan once again felt his troubles disappear and felt he finally found his happiness, this time it was permanent. He didn't need dancing, or the Resistance or anything as long as he had her.

AN: I'm not sure when the next chapter's gonna be out honestly. I'm also not transitioning this to New Dawn, and quick question: What the fuck are wolverines in 5 made of? Little bullet sponges drop me to near half my health on infamous mode before I down one. Anyways, reviews and suggestions are noted and appreciated.