When Nadia woke in the morning she found herself looking into the eyes of one very tired Ghoul. Someone had obviously thought it was necessary to keep watch. Nadia smiled, stretching. She should have known he wouldn't leave their safety to chance. She almost felt bad that she had slept so soundly.

"Babe, you need to get some sleep." Nadia put a hand against his scarred cheek, caressing it with her thumb.

"What are you talking about? I just woke up." Hancock tried to look perkier, but failed miserably. Nadia patted his cheek.

"Liar." She kissed him on the forehead and then extricated herself from the bed. He started to get up and she pushed him back on to the bed. "I don't think so. Get some sleep."

Hancock opened his mouth to complain, but instead of words a huge yawn escaped his lips. Nadia laughed while Hancock shot her dirty look, not even bothering to argue. He pulled the blanket up and flopped over on to his side, back to her.

Nadia busied herself by going through their supplies and taking inventory. After she had finished with that she brushed her hair out and then braided it over her right shoulder. She washed her face and then drank the water that remained unused in the can. When all of that was finished she looked around the room from her seat on the floor and noticed that the terminal on the desk in front of her was still working. Hmmm. Nadia was bored and had found plenty of interesting things on the random terminals that were still working throughout the Wasteland. She got up and went over to the desk.

Nadia didn't even read all the options on the screen, she just saw the words "personal logs" and selected it. The computer had been used by someone named Phyllis Daily and there were three entries. Nadia selected the log titled "Samuel" and knew immediately that she had royally fucked up. Phyllis was the woman that threaten to shoot them yesterday, not some random person that died over two hundred years ago. Snooping on the long dead was considered archeology, but nosing through a live person's stuff was highly frowned upon and likely to get her shot. Especially because what she read was heart wrenching and awful and Nadia knew she wouldn't be able to act like she hadn't read it. The entry detailed Phyllis' attempt to committed suicide over the guilt of having murdered her grandson Samuel. She was convinced that the reason for both Samuel's death and her inability to kill herself stemmed from the Institute's programming, but Nadia was almost certain that Phyllis was not a synth. If the Institute had the ability to control all their synths in the way she described they would have a lot fewer runaways.

"I thought I told you to stay the hell out of my stuff!" Nadia nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of Phyllis' voice. Fuck. Hancock had been startled awake and looked from Phyllis to Nadia, shaking his head at the later. Nadia knew there was no denying what she knew and decided it was now or never.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't realize that the logs on the terminal were yours until I saw what you wrote about Samuel. I didn't mean to invade your privacy." Nadia didn't know what else to say and the look on Hancock's face, a mix between dismay and amusement, wasn't helping at all.

"Fine, I guess you might as well hear the whole thing. My grandson Samuel and I were on our own ever since my daughter died. I managed to get us in on a farm. Hard on these old bones, but it kept us fed. I was on watch one night, I- I don't…" Phyllis' matter of fact voice faltered, "I'm sitting there with a gun across my knees looking out over the hill and- and I think I fell asleep… It's just blank…" Phyllis' voice grew more frantic as she sped toward the horrifying conclusion. "The next thing I remember is the sound of a gun shot shaking me out of it. And Samuel is at my feet and there's blood everywhere." Phyllis looked at Nadia, eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Was there anyone else there? Could it have been Raiders?" Nadia knew even as she asked what the answer was, her heart breaking for this poor woman.

"No," Phyllis shook her head sadly, confirming what Nadia had already known. "When they heard the shot, everyone came running out, but no one saw anyone else but me and Samuel. One moment he was there and then the next… just gone. Those little fingers that used to hold my hand…" Phyllis could barely get the words out by this point, tears streaming down her face. "And it's all my fault. You can't imagine what that's like."

"I saw my husband killed, my son taken, and was powerless to stop it. I understand how you feel." Nadia's eyes were filled with tears and her voice choked, but the tears weren't for Shaun and Nate. She wished there was something she could do to help, but the only things that had helped Nadia were Hancock, getting revenge and helping others. Phyllis couldn't have Hancock, getting revenge was not applicable, and Nadia couldn't make her help other people. But maybe I could… Nadia felt an idea taking shape, one that just might be able to help this poor woman before the guilt ate her alive.

"Oh. I didn't- I hope you find him. Family is the only thing worth a damn in this world. But I guess he wasn't really my grandson. They must have just given me those memories, cause who could have done that to their own flesh and blood? Now you know why I'm out here and why you need to leave before they make me kill again. I'm a synth and I can't be trusted."

Nadia understood why she had convinced herself that she was a synth, but she also knew that Phyllis was never going to be able to forgive herself unless she accepted the reality.

"You're not a synth. It was just an accident, Phyllis." Nadia's voice sounded small but sure as she spoke.

"Even if you're right, what does it matter? There's nothing left for me." A humorless smirk crossed her face as she shook her head.

"That's just not true," Nadia told her, sad smile on her face. "We need good people for the Minutemen. It won't change the past, but maybe you could spend the time you have left helping other people, making a difference."

"You'd still ask for my help, knowing what I've done? I don't know. Let me think about it. But either way, I think you're right. I gotta find a way to make peace with what happened, and I can't keep running from it." Phyllis closed the space between them, looking into Nadia's eyes. "Thanks for taking the time to talk to me, kid. You've given me a lot to think about."

"You're welcome, Phyllis. I hope you consider my offer. If you decide to join, head to a settlement called Sanctuary and tell 'em Nadia sent you. The Minutemen will find a place for you and a way for you to make a difference." Nadia gave Phyllis directions to Sanctuary and then woman thanked her with a small smile before turning and heading back downstairs.

Nadia turned to Hancock, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange. He smiled at her, eyes barely open and then flopped back down on to his side. As he pulled the blanket up over his head she heard him mumble, "Good job, doll." She knew he was fast asleep before she had even made it to the top of the stairs.

When Hancock woke up around noon he realized that although they both wanted to head to Goodneighbor, Nick had told them to check in with him after they visited the Glowing Sea. They couldn't very well blow off their friend, especially after everything that had gone down the last time.

"Doll, I think we were getting ahead of ourselves. We've got to make a detour on our way back home."

Nadia's brow wrinkled as she tried to figure out what he was talking about. Hancock could tell the minute she realized what they had forgotten because her eyes went wide.

"Nick! We forgot about Nick! Shit… we suck."

"We were just caught up in our own plans. We've got to go make sure that Nicky isn't still beating himself up, though." Hancock got out of bed and they quickly got their things together and headed out, saying bye to Phyllis.

"Don't forget what we talked about. We could use your help, Phyllis." Nadia reminded her before shoving a fusion core into her Power Armor and climbing in.

"I'll think about it, kid. Be safe out there." Phyllis followed them out, waving as they headed off in the general direction of Diamond City.

"Well, you were right, sunshine. I think you really helped her, whether she joins up or not," Hancock told her as soon as they were out of earshot.

"I hope so, John. I really do. I can't imagine living with that kind of guilt. I really think the Minutemen would help her. If nothing else, it would at least distract her."

Nadia had done all she could for her, it was up for her to do the rest. Nadia pushed her worries for Phyllis from her mind and focused on the ones ahead of them.

"Let's just hope Nicky is as easy to help," Hancock said looking over at her. The concern in his black eyes making it clear that he doubted it. She had a feeling his concerns were right on the money.

The trip to Diamond City went well, the biggest bit of trouble occurring not far from the marina. They had come across an old neighborhood that had been filled with Feral Ghouls. As they explored the neighborhood they had found a house that was completely locked up, but they could hear ghoulish noises emanating from the upstairs. They debated whether or not to make a way in and kill the Ghouls, but decided against it. They were trapped and it seemed like going in was just asking for trouble. They had no idea how many were in there or what the situation was, so they cleared out all the loose Ghouls and then continued on their way.

It didn't take long to get to Diamond City and although they had planned on spending the night, they ended up back on the road in almost no time. According to Ellie, Nick and Dogmeat were out on a case. She looked like something was bothering her, but when Hancock asked if everything was all right, she had smiled and told him she was fine. Nadia gave him a look that clearly indicated that she thought Ellie was lying, but what could they do? They asked her to tell Nick they had stopped by and that they hoped to see him in Goodneighbor when he was ready. After leaving the office they hurried back out of Diamond City, hoping to reach Goodneighbor before dark. They knew they would be pushing it, but they didn't care.

Nadia couldn't wait to see the glow of Goodneighbor's sign. She was excited for a number of reasons, but the main one was getting the hell out of her Power Armor. She was tired of clanking every where she went. She had kept her complaints to herself since she didn't want to give Hancock any more ammunition for his argument against wearing Power Armor himself, but she could tell he knew how much it annoyed her. He fought a smile every time she climbed into the damn thing. She was glad she had it, but she also knew it would only be brought out in dire circumstances.

They had decided that before they attempted to get a Courser chip, they would track down the Railroad. After all, they might be able to help. Nadia was trying to figure out how they were going to locate the secretive group when she was distracted by Hancock.

"Look up ahead, Doll! There she is!"

He was right, the lights were finally in sight. Nadia smiled from behind her helmet and quickened her steps. It felt good to be home.

The first thing Nadia did upon arrival was ask Kleo if she could store her Power Armor in her shop. The flirtatious robot agreed, making Nadia wonder again who had programmed her. She quickly exited her armor and popped next door to see her second favorite Ghoul.

"Hey there, sugar! How'd the Glowing Sea treat ya? I see ya still have all your skin, so it couldn't have been too bad!" Daisy came around the counter carrying a couple Nuka Colas, threw an arm around her shoulders and led her over to the small table next to the entrance. They sat across from each other and Daisy opened both of the Nukas, passing one across the table as Nadia filled her in on what had happened while they were away. The more Nadia got to know Daisy the more she liked her. It was nice to have someone she could talk to about pre-War things that had been there, too. Daisy had a great sense of humor and talking to her felt like talking to an aunt or older sister. They sipped their drinks and talked until Hancock showed up.

"Hey, Daisy." He nodded to the shop owner and then turned toward Nadia leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. "I had our stuff taken up to our room. Wanna get something to eat and maybe a drink of the alcoholic variety?"

Nadia felt her heart flutter at the words "our room." She smiled up at Hancock replying, "Sure, babe. Whatever you want."

"Okay, you two love birds get outta my shop before I OD on cuteness." Daisy's words were accompanied by a smile and a wave toward the door. Nadia stood up, thanking her for the drink and then slipped her arm through the one that Hancock had waiting for her. She took a deep breath, reveling in how happy she was as they headed out of the shop. She hadn't thought this kind of happiness was possible again. She smiled up at her partner, squeezing his arm and letting out her breath in a happy sigh. The end of the world was a funny thing.

Hancock's heart almost stopped in response to Nadia's smile. That smile made him think that maybe she loved him the way that he loved her. He hoped every day that that was the case, but how could he expect that kind of lapse in judgement from her? He figured that at some point she would find someone better and leave him, but as much as the thought pained him, he couldn't blame her. He knew that he would never love anyone else, though. She was it for him and he intended to enjoy every second of her company while he had it.

"Let's go to the Third Rail, doll, and see what kind of trouble we can get into."

Nadia pulled a tin of Mentats out of her jacket pocket, enjoying the surprised look on her man's face. She let go of his arm to open the tin and then reached into it grabbing three of the pills. She popped one into her mouth and then handed the other two to Hancock.

Hancock was pretty sure that his girl was the perfect mix of good and bad. She would help anyone who asked and had an increasingly large collection of teddy bears, but then she would turn around and pop pills. She also had one hell of a filthy mouth which he also enjoyed. There was something about hearing the word "fuck" leave that perfect, pouty mouth of hers… They reached the Third Rail at this point and he opened the door for her, watching her ass sway as she walked in.

"Don't worry, babe. I'll make sure you get a much better look at that later," she called over her shoulder as she walked passed Ham.

"I'm gonna hold you to that," he said, watching as Ham shook his head, smiling and rolling his eyes. Hancock hurried after Nadia thinking that tonight was shaping up to be the best one they'd had in a while.

MacCready had joined them at the Third Rail not long after they got there. They briefly filled him in and he suggested they "Follow the Freedom Trail," whatever that was. He promised to fill them in on the little he knew about it tomorrow and then ordered shots for the three of them. They clinked their glasses together then knocked back the liquor, which turned out to be vodka. Nadia wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"Don't like vodka?" MacCready looked at her with one brow raised.

"Not anymore. It reminds me too much of my younger days…"

MacCready laughed and then he and Hancock insisted on hearing a story as proof. She started to tell them about a time she had played beer-pong, using vodka instead of beer. She never even got to tell them the story because they were so intrigued by the game itself. Nadia explained the set up and the rules and before she knew it Hancock was ordering Charlie to look for plastic cups and he was up off his barstool carrying a spare table to the back room. Nadia just smiled and told Charlie how much beer they were going to need. She heard the Mr. Handy grumbling under his breath, which only made her smile more. MacCready was in charge of finding something to use as a ball and she watched as he tried to melt some plastic into the shape of a ball, failing miserably. She finally took pity on him and told him she had an idea.

Nadia hurried out of the Third Rail and over to the Old State House, heading for her bag. Once she located her bag in their room she pulled out what she had come for and headed back out. She had almost reached the stairs when the door opened and Fahrenheit walked in. Nadia had always been intimidated by Hancock's body guard, but she had enough alcohol in her system not to be worried by that.

"Hey Fahrenheit, how'd you like to help me kick Hancock and MacCready's asses at a game?" Nadia had a feeling the woman had a competitive streak and they needed a fourth to even up the teams. Fahrenheit looked at her thoughtfully, chin slightly raised.

"What kind of game?"

"A drinking one that involves throwing a small, ball-like object into a cup of beer at the opposite end of a table while shit talking and harassing the other team."

"I'm in."

When Nadia showed back up with Fahrenheit, MacCready gave her a funny look.

"I thought you said you had a solution to our ball problem. Fahrenheit doesn't look like that solution."

"You're right," she replied, lighting a cigarette, "I don't have a lot of interest in being the solution to anyone's ball problems. Not really in my wheel house."

Hancock walked in just in time to hear Fahrenheit's quip, laughing as he greeted her.

"Come to join the game?"

"Yeah, your girl asked me to be her… partner." The way she said "partner" sounded a lot more intimate than anything Nadia had planned, but Hancock just laughed, rolling his eyes.

MacCready didn't care about any of that, because he was too busy fretting over still not having a ball. Nadia reached into her pocket and pulled out a smallish piece of brain fungus, tossing it to the young mercenary. He caught it easily, looking at it with surprise. Nadia was glad she had harvested the weird fungus on their way back. She had several more pieces, all roughly the size of a ping pong ball, tucked into her pockets. The small pieces that she had picked had dried out a little since she had found them, so they were slightly hard, but she wasn't sure how they would react to getting damp, so she had brought backups.

"Nice," MacCready said, nodding his head as he held the fungus up to inspect it. "Let's get this party started!"

Nadia was drunk, but not sloppily so, and was enjoying their first evening back. They were on their third game, the tie breaker, and a crowd had accumulated and was taking bets on who the winner would be. Their accuracy was admittedly suffering from the alcohol and it was anyone's game. Nadia laughed as Fahrenheit heckled MacCready into missing a shot and Hancock punched him in the arm.

"Come on, man! I've seen you shoot a fly off a brahmin's ass! Get it together."

They both turned at the sound of fungus splashing into a cup. Hancock leaned over the cups to look and his jaw dropped.

"Fuck!" He exclaimed as he realized the girls had used their distraction to get both their "balls" into the same cup. MacCready looked into the cups and this time it was his turn to punch Hancock.

"If you knew how to keep your damn mouth shut we wouldn't be in this mess right now! We are never going to hear the end of this shit." MacCready was shaking his head in annoyance.

Meanwhile, Fahrenheit and Nadia were celebrating their win loudly. Nadia was so glad she had included the "death cup" when she had taught them the rules. They had made some wagers at the beginning of the night and Nadia was very pleased with having seized the opportunity.

"Looks like someone is going to be wearing Power Armor next time we go to the Glowing Sea!" Nadia couldn't help gloating just a little. She was so relieved!

"That's only if you can find me some," Hancock replied sourly.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll manage. I've got plenty of time." Nadia smiled, walking around the table. When she got to Hancock she leaned in so she could whisper into his ear.

"Don't worry, babe. I'll make sure you feel like a winner when we get home." She leaned back and winked at him.

Hancock didn't care about losing nearly as much as he cared about getting her back and into his bed. He smiled wickedly, lunging forward to grab Nadia. She squealed loudly and tried to escape, but he was too strong for her.

Next thing Nadia knew, the world was upside down and she was staring at Hancock's ass. He had thrown her over his shoulder and was now making his way through the bar toward the exit to the sound of raucous applause and laughter. Nadia continued to struggle, but in all honesty it was pretty half-hearted. She was pretty turned on by the show of strength and was quite happy to be leaving the bar for a more private locale.

When Hancock got his girl back to their room he threw her down on the bed, standing over her with a wicked gleam in his black eyes.

Nadia smiled coyly up at him, but as he came towards her she stopped him by putting one foot in the center of his chest. She pushed him back with her foot and rose from the bed, quickly closing the space between them.

Nadia pressed him into the wall, kissing him deeply. She nibbled on his bottom lip, reaching below to undo the buckle of his pants. She pulled back and he quickly removed his coat and shirt, tossing them over a chair. She dropped to her knees, looking up at him as she unbuttoned his pants, slowly unzipped them and then pulled them down out of her way.

Hancock watched as his beautiful girl wrapped those perfect lips around his cock. He moaned at the touch and she took more of him into her mouth, looking into his eyes the whole time. His knees quivered as she circled her tongue around him, moving her hand up and down his length. She removed her mouth and as he watched she licked him all the way up his length, starting at the base and working her way to the tip. She opened her mouth like she was going to put it back around him, but she stopped just shy of it. Looking up at him with those big, green eyes of hers, she stuck the tip of her tongue out and lapped at the tip of his throbbing penis, teasing him. Nadia stood up abruptly and backed away, leaving him panting and wanting.

Nadia slowly removed her shirt revealing her gorgeous breasts and then unbuttoned her pants and shimmied out of them. As Hancock watched, she caressed herself, slightly pinching her now erect nipples.

"Tell me what you want." Her voice was think with need as she closed the distance between them, pressing her naked body against his.

"I'd rather show you," he whispered, picking her up for the second time tonight. He threw her onto the bed and climbed on top of her, separating her thighs. He grabbed her wrists and held them above her head with one of his hands. The other hand found one of her nipples and she moaned as he rolled it between his fingers. She struggled against him, but the smile on her face betrayed her enjoyment. Moving his other hand up to her wrists as well, he pressed his hardness against her and she pulled her knees up, making it easier for him to find her entrance, biting her lip in anticipation.

Hancock pushed into her, the velvety wetness enveloping his cock making him moan in satisfaction. He moved inside of her, slow and deep, enjoying the little sounds of pleasure she was making. She grunted softly with each thrust as he moved faster. Releasing her wrists, he pushed himself up onto his knees and grabbed her legs, throwing them over his shoulders. His hands were on her hips and he was driving into her again and again watching as her breasts bounced below him.

"Harder, John. Fuck me harder."

He did as he was told, forcing himself as deep into her cleft as possible. In moments he could feel her shudder and the animal sound that escaped her lips as she came only made him want her more. He pulled back and flipped her over, licking his lips as she got to her knees and wiggled her ass.

"It's your turn now, John. Fuck me till you come." He loved it when she talked dirty.

"With pleasure," his raspy voice sent a shiver through her as he got behind her.

He reached between her legs teasing apart her damp and swollen lips with deft fingers, guiding himself home. He thrust himself into her and they both moaned as he filled her. He plunged deep holding on to her hips, enjoying his view of her shapely ass.

"Is that all you've got?" She egged him on, meeting him thrust for thrust. He smacked her ass enjoying her squeal of surprise and then grabbed a fist full of her hair, ridding her hard.

Nadia screamed his name and with a few more frantic thrusts he spilled into her making his own animalistic sounds.

They collapsed into the bed, panting and he pulled her close, nuzzling into her neck. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. When their breathing returned to normal they climbed under the covers and she cuddled close laying her head on his chest, one leg thrown over him.

Hancock wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. She was right, he thought with a smile, I do feel like a winner.