MacCready grinned as he downed his glass of whiskey, "I heard you became associated with a Brotherhood soldier, but I didn't think it was theBrotherhood soldier." He was dressed in his guard armor, looking a little drowned in the heavy material on his lanky frame.

Shiloh reddened at the former mercenary's smirk, playing with Duncan's soft blonde hair as the little boy in her lap played with the Nuka Cola truck she'd brought him, "Yeah it...just kind of happened."

They were sitting on the flight deck in two ratty chairs. It wasn't necessarily allowed, but MacCready's shooting skills were so coveted he basically had full run of Rivet City. The sun was shining, but it wasn't hot and the setting felt like a picnic with whiskey. Duncan was hyper-focused on the toy, making it fly in the air like a rocket.

MacCready smiled lovingly at his son before returning that shit-eating grin to Shiloh, "Lots of things just happen in this world. Still didn't think becoming First Lady of the Brotherhood was one of them."

Shiloh glowered, still blushing red, "I hate you."

"We're the best of friends." He set down his whiskey glass to retrieve some juice for Duncan. The little boy scrambled out of Shiloh's lap for it then continued with his toy car on the floor, rolling it across the metal surface.

"I'm glad you're back with him," Shiloh sighed happily while watching Duncan play.

"If you hurry up, you can give him grumpy little friends to play with."

She groaned, "You're actually torturing me."

"What, you haven't talked about it with him?"

"It's-" she stuttered, "It's new, you dork. The idea is not to scare him away."

"I'd be more concerned about you running away."

"Hey, I've gotten better. I put in formal paperwork for my missions and everything."

He laughed, "I'm surprised they don't try to chain you to the Citadel."

"I'd like to see them try," she sobered a little, "There are still too many slavers in the Capital Wasteland."

"Well," MacCready lit a cigarette, "You've certainly done a number on them. Let me know if you ever want some back up. I'm sure the boss wouldn't mind so long as I'm helping you."

"Will do," they turned their attention to where Harkness was heading towards them. "Speaking of boss, my escort's here. You two stay out of trouble." She ruffled MacCready's hat, making the man pout.

He put out his cigarette to beckon Duncan over and tie the boy's shoes. "Yeah, see ya neighbor."

Harkness smiled gently at her as they left the flight deck. He looked older and more tired. The years had relaxed him somehow. He was less tense than before, but still had stress lines on his face. Nobody paid them mind as they headed down the hallway to the marketplace.

The thing she'd loved about him so many years ago is that he just got it. He didn't need explanations and long emotional conversations. He got her and he got how the world worked. She'd take the secret that he was a synth to the grave with her, knowing it would devastate him. And he'd never know that she was the only thing between him and a life of servitude with the Institute. So when she'd met up with him again, there weren't talks and she didn't need to explain.

He'd simply bought her a drink and welcomed her back to Rivet City.

They hadn't talked about Maxson, though she knew he knew. Everyone did, as word travels fast in the Capital Wasteland. Maxson for his part had expressed barely-hidden jealousy at her visit to Rivet City, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

They walked through the marketplace as she did a final supply run. Brotherhood representatives stood in a corner in their power armor looking for recruits and they saluted her as she passed by. The marketplace was livelier than she'd ever seen it, but she didn't miss the barber shop built near the bar, nor did she miss the leather-jacketed greasers hanging out near it. Butch had achieved what he'd set out to do when he left her; he started a gang and became a barber in Rivet City. It had stirred an old bitterness in her, and their reunion had been tense, but Butch was Butch and tried to play off the stress with sarcasm as always. He'd changed little in the years she was gone, settling with a wife and kids surrounded by the now-famous Tunnel Snakes who caused little trouble save for the occasional bar fight. In truth she was happy for him. He was her only companion who made it out alive and only did so because he left her of his own volition. The wasteland wasn't for him, but Rivet City was.

She didn't have much of a conversation with Butch either, and the reunion hadn't been warm. It was like a meeting between strangers. He'd aged in their time apart and there was little room in his life for her. She couldn't find it in her to want to be a part of his life either.

The Tunnel Snakes hovered around the shop, not paying attention to her. Harkness finished speaking with his subordinate and met up with her again to lead her out of the marketplace. She grinned at her ex-lover and old friend. He was always so firm and serious, a trait Danse shared and likely how they were programmed as synths, but the softness in his eyes when he saw her was distinctly human.

She knew, in her heart, that he regretted their parting. That he wanted to finish what they started, even if she was still the same age and he was in his forties. But despite the fondness she had for him, she couldn't do it. Her heart was somewhere else, now. He patted her arm softly before she crossed the bridge to the mainland, and she placed a hand on his gently with a smile. He wasn't much for public affection and she knew hugging him would embarrass him, so she kept to herself beyond the touch on her arm.

"I'll be here."

"I'll visit again," he nodded at her words and returned to his office inside the old battleship as Shiloh made her way back to the Citadel.

During her walk from Rivet City, she could see the Prydwen tethered to the Citadel. It hovered intimidatingly, though empty save for the lookouts. Liberty Prime was stomping near the bay, on constant patrolling duty. The guards at the gate saluted her as she passed, crossing through the tunnel to the courtyard. She entered the lab first, dropping off supplies in the workshop and armory. They would come in handy later when she needed to repair her equipment. She next headed downstairs to the mess hall and stocked the shelves with purified water. Back outside, she finished her drop-off by heading towards the new building where Maxson's room was. And she supposed her room, considering she barely touched her own living space. Untying and ruffling her hair, she once again vowed to cut it before unlatching her armor. She only wore the heavy armor Nora gave her on tough missions, opting for a leather set she made herself otherwise. Now in only a worn, beige shirt and pants, she moved to the private bathroom to shower. It was her new favorite place. An actual shower with actual privacy. She didn't think such things existed anymore.

She scrubbed off the journey's dirt from her skin and rung out her hair once she was done. Back in a towel and fresher, previously washed clothing, she sat at Maxson's desk and resumed the reading she'd been doing on her downtime. Maxson was out on a mission for the time being and wouldn't be home for a few hours.

-0-

She woke up with her face against the desk's surface, having effectively passed out while reading. Groaning, she rubbed her face and sore neck before putting the book away. She peeked out the curtains and saw it was now dark outside, the courtyard only lit by stadium lighting Sarah had commissioned when she'd taken over. Distantly, she heard Liberty Prime's stomping.

The door unlocked with a click and Maxson entered the room, dressed in the fatigues Brotherhood soldiers wore under their power armor, his officer black. He'd left his jacket in the room, knowing he would spend most of the mission in power armor anyways. He gazed at her curiously, watching her rub her neck.

Approaching her and setting down his bag, he turned to pull her hair away and place a hand at the back of her neck. It was enough pressure to relieve the tension and she grinned, "How was the mission?"

"Everything went according to plan."

"Super mutants are predictable, to their detriment. All they have is size on their side."

"Which we can match with the power armor. We've purged at least half of the Capital Wasteland so far. The next focus is on the National Mall, where they're hiding in pockets and affecting our monument operations. Underworld won't be pleased with the nearby presence."

"I'm sure I can give them a visit to relieve some tension."

He nodded, releasing her neck, "It's something to consider. Did your visit go well?"

She sighed, standing from the desk and turning to him, "It was alright. So much of Rivet City has changed. MacCready offered to assist me with some slaver takedowns. I think he's tired of being cooped up, as big as the aircraft carrier is. His son is beautiful," she sighed again, but happily. Duncan really was such a sweet little boy, a contrast to how MacCready was as a child. Certainly he got it from Lucy. Maxson reached out and placed a hand on her face, running his thumb down her cheek tenderly. He saw the softness in her eyes when she spoke of Duncan, but left the conversation of children unspoken. Everything was so new and fragile, even after a few months. She swallowed a little nervously, though she knew what he was thinking.

"What about the others?"

She frowned, "Butch looked at me like I was a stranger."

"It's been nine, almost ten years. You essentially are."

"I suppose. We were together for years, having someone you used to love look at you like that is hard," despite his clear jealousy, Maxon knew how it hurt her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She ran her hands across his chest, playing with the straps and buckles, "Harkness was kind, though, which I suppose is what mattered. He could have just as easily rejected me, but he welcomed me back. He's a good man."

"I know he is," she felt his grip tighten slightly, "it's nothing personal."

She smiled, leaning closer, "You know I love you, don't you?"

He reddened slightly, still not used to the words, "Of course."

She kissed him lightly, "Get showered, I'm heading to bed before I fall asleep on the desk again."

He headed into the bathroom and she watched him begin to unfasten his fatigures before she slipped into the bed. Not quite ready for sleep, she removed her pants and grabbed her notebook. She was still studying her super mutant notes when Maxson emerged from the bathroom in only a shirt and underwear. With a lock on his door, he tended to wear less than usual to bed. His hair was loose from the water and longer than usual, but his beard was trimmed.

He sat next to her on the bed, eyes downward and brows furrowed. He seemed to be preparing his words mentally. She raised an eyebrow at him, setting down her notebook, "What is it, Arthur?"

"You've...you've been a great asset to the Brotherhood. Not only in your work but also your efforts in getting outsiders to trust us again. Despite your reservations, you've more than proven your dedication to us. To me. And in response I've made a decision." She still looked at him with wide eyes, not daring to say a word. "Therefore," he cleared his throat, "I'm going to release Madison Li from the Brotherhood and replace her with the head Watcher scientist who surrendered. Under condition of silence, which she has agreed to, she may continue her life wherever she wishes."

Shiloh held her breath, trying to will away the tears in her eyes but even with Maxson's discomfort she couldn't control her emotions, "Really?"

"Yes."

She quickly gripped his hand, urging him to look her in the eyes, "Really, Arthur?"

He nodded, "Yes, really."

She practically threw herself into his arms, kissing him feverishly as she adjusted her position to straddling his lap. She ran her fingers through his hair and his response was immediate. He gripped her hips as she deepened the kiss. Breaking for air but not moving back, she whispered over and over, "I love you, I love you."

"I'll never get used to that," he uncomfortably joked, but she smiled anyways.

She sniffled, trying to calm herself down before she proceeded. He stroked her hair as she pressed her face into his neck, feeling his beard against her skin. Once calm, she leaned up and kissed his jaw before moving to tug off her shirt. As she was wearing nothing underneath, she saw his pupils dilate despite the dim lighting of the room.

Pawing at him, she got his shirt off as well and adjusted her posture to let him pull down her underwear before removing his own. She straddled his lap again and gently pumped him while he groaned into her neck and gripped her ass. Pulling her closer, she could tell he was impatient to be inside her, as he always was. He kissed her neck, causing shivers to run down her spine and she giggled lightly.

She pushed up on her knees and sunk onto him slowly until she was full and shuddering. His grip on her hips was bruising, but the pressure only heightened her pleasure. He ran his fingers up across her ribs until he was cupping her breasts, thumbs on her nipples. She bit her lip, moaning quietly in the silent room. He kissed her again, running his tongue along her lip and she bit his lower lip. He groaned again, knowing it was time to stop teasing.

Hands back on her hips, he used the leverage to lift her slightly as he pumped shallowly. Her thighs quivered from the friction and the angle. He was hitting her so deep that she had to keep from gasping at each thrust. She began to meet his thrusts, craving the pleasure as he sped up.

She threw her head back, feeling the ends of her hair against her shoulder blades and spine. He began to kiss and lick at her collarbone as he thrust into her with more power than speed, slowing down to reach as deep as he could. Though he was trying to keep quiet, he began to groan into her skin as she gripped him with every muscle she had. With a shriek, she came, soaking him until he could feel it on his pelvis.

The sight plus the pressure of her squeezing his cock caused him to tighten his jaw as he came inside her. She kissed his neck and nuzzled against him as he finished with a few shallow thrusts, "Arthur, Arthur," she whispered, lost in a daze.

After a moment of silence, she lifted off him. The feeling of his come running out of her and down her thigh filled her with a primal pleasure and she could see the sight woke something similar in him.

After a quick clean-up, she walked out of the bathroom and slipped into the bed beside him. He was back against the pillow, still naked and panting. She leaned against his shoulder, winding her fingers in his as her free hand played with his chest hair. He was staring at the ceiling, but she wasn't worried. When he was in deep thought, he liked to stare off into the distance. Blinking, he reached over and played with her hair as she purred in delight. He turned from the ceiling to her, "You were gone for nine years. If it kills me, I'll never let you leave again."

She gripped his hand, "Don't say that, Arthur."

"I'll continue to say it. I'll say it again and again."

She kissed him, whispering in the dim lighting, "I'll never leave you."

He watched her intensely with those piercing blue eyes, "I love you." She blushed slightly, unable to help the smile on her face. He said it so rarely that each time was coveted by her like it was precious.

For so long after waking up in the facility, she woke up cold and felt the ice like it was in her bones. Like the hottest of showers couldn't warm her insides. But Maxson's body warmth melted the ice in her veins like he melted away the bitterness and resentment in her heart. They were good together, they were happy together, and despite their different methods, they were dedicated to improving their world.

It was the kind of partnership that improved factions. It was the kind of friendship that improved people. It was the kind of love that improved the wasteland.