Chapter Twelve

The High Road

I had slept fairly late the day after the bonfire. After a full night of dancing and the events the night before, I had been drained. For the first night in days I had slept deeply without a single dream. After a quick breakfast I had started my packing of the essentials; food, water, a change of clothes. Just the things I would need for a long trip. Once satisfied, I made my way to my workshop.

In the weeks before I had left to track down Kellogg I had cleared out one of the garages in Sanctuary and had turned it into a workshop of sorts. I had two sets of Power Armor in there and while one was mine, I had salvaged another to be used here in Sanctuary in case of an emergency. The Motorcycle Sturges and I were working on was kept there. I had opted to fix up a motorcycle mostly for the fact that it would be easier to salvage parts for that and not for a bigger motor like a car. Materials were already scarce for farming; vehicle parts were that much harder to come by.

Opening the door a chaotic mess greeted me. Tools scattered about haphazardly. Parts on the floor rather than on the shelves. Oil puddles decorated the floor. So, in all honesty, it was left exactly how I left it.

Even though I had already worked on my armor the day before yesterday I wanted to install a cooling agent into it. Preston had mentioned how hot it got there-or so he imagined it would-in the Glowing Sea. And me not yet adjusted to the heat of the waste, wanted to make sure I wouldn't get overheated.

I had been elbowed deep in the armor when I heard the door to the workshop open and a familiar grizzled voice call out, "you in here kid?"

Popping out from behind the armor I grinned, "over here Nick!"

Nick tipped his hat back as he bent down to where I was squatting-his joints grinding as he did so. "Just wanted to check in on yah before you left." He said, "guess you're fixin' that hunk of junk again."

I flashed him a smile before digging back into the cables and tubes, "its like cars when one thing goes another is sure to follow."

I heard the tool bench rustle when Nick leaned against it. "What's it this time, the gears in the torso?"

"No, I just wanted to install cooling tubes for the Sea." I said trying to reach the wire cutters. I felt them slip into my hand, "Thanks Nick-that's when I realized I didn't fix the wire and now there in the way of the gears-and you didn't come here to talk about Power Armor did you." Pulling myself out of the armor I looked up at him.

Nick gave a chuckle "No, I never was one for Power Armor. Too many wires."

I eyed him, "that's rich coming from you."

He let out a laugh and held up his hands, "got me there." He said shaking his head. "But in all seriousness, I wanted to see how you were feeling. You look good, but you and I both know how good of an actor you are."

Nick was probably the only one who knew what my Prewar profession was really like. The others sort of understood from hearing music on the radio, but many didn't even know what an actor was. Nick could always see past the air I put on, for he knew I was acting half of the time. I played with a loose wire, twirling it in my fingers. "After a good night sleep, I feel a little better. Not on edge as much." I said vaguely, watching the wire twirl, "the party did help."

"Enough to go into the glowing sea?" He asked dubiously, "I won't sugar coat it kid, it ain't no walk in the park."

I pulled my attention out of my armor to look at him. The dark grimacing look on his face unsettled me. "I take it you've been there before?"

He gave a nod and glanced down at the mess of tools. "Once, its not a place a person should linger-even a bot like me." He said with a slight chuckle. "It's-well there are no words to adequately describe it. Dangerous is one, but well you'll see for yourself once you get there. I just want to be sure you're alright before you go."

My brow furrowed as I tried to fully comprehend his words, "what can I expect down there?"

He folded his arms over his chest and closed his eyes, thinking, "radscorpions the size of cars, their glowing cousins, ghouls, and the glow stick kind. Bugs of different assortments, and Deathclaws." He paused and opened his eyes; a dark expression crossed his mechanical features. "And Deathclaw variants."

Now that sounded ominous. "There are different types of deathclaws?" And I thought the average deathclaw was terrifying-I couldn't picture something worse.

Nick tipped his hat up. "I saw an albino one once. I didn't stick around long enough to go toe-to-toe with it." He shook himself. "It took on the very definition of the word horrifying. I watched it rip through ghouls as if they had been made of paper Mache. That had been enough for me to change my direction and take the longer route."

"Hopefully we wont run into anything like that…" I said with a shiver as I picked up my wrench. "The last deathclaw I fought turned me off from wanting to cross paths with another."

Nick moved to stand up, "just be prepared for anything in there." He brushed his coat off. "But I'm sure your Paladin can handle it."

"Quit it with the 'your' stuff." I muttered digging into the mess of wires. "He's gonna hear that sooner or later, and I betcha he won't like it."

I heard Nick chuckle, "whatever ya say kid." He said, "and speaking of the Paladin, I think he's here."

I pulled myself out of the armor, "what makes you say that?"

He tapped his good ear, "I hear him stomping around outside. I don't think anyone wears Power Armor boots around here." He adjusted his hat and tie. "I'll take that as my que to make myself scarce. I'll tell the others to meet you by the gates for their goodbyes."

"Thanks Nick," I said standing up, "we'll probably head out as soon as I put my armor back together."

He nodded and headed for the door, just as Danse opened it. Both men paused in their movements. Danse's eyes narrowed a fraction as Nick tipped his hat in greeting and ducked around him. I watched as Danse's narrowed eyes followed Nick until he was gone.

People don't change overnight. I reminded myself. At least he wasn't pointing his gun at him. Danse turned back to me with a raised eyebrow. I thought at first, he would question me about what Nick wanted, but had said, "I thought you had said your armor was ready?"

Well at least he wasn't scolding me about talking to Nick. "I did but I wanted to install a feature that'll keep me nice and cool." I said turning back to it. "Though when I went to install it I noticed I had rushed the wire maintenance, and all my wires were all over the place."

I heard him let out a huff, "you should never rush your work, it's just sloppy workmanship."

I mumbled his words with a roll of my eyes.

"What was that?"

"Oh, uh I could use some help?" I said innocently giving him a smile. "I can't seem to get this tube to sit correctly? And seeing as how you're the Power Armor expert, I thought you would know."
He eyed me suspiciously before he cracked open his armor and bent down to look at mine. With deftly hands he moved wires and tubing until all of it fit in snugly together. I smiled, "Like I said expert."

He stood upright, "I'm impressed with your work though." He said eyeing the armor, a grin on his face. "For someone who doesn't care for Power Armor your pretty good at modding it." He ran his hand along the arm. "What kind of coating is this? Winterized?"

"Mhmm," I said wiping my hands off with a rag. "And it's not like I hate Power Armor, I just don't like using it."

He rubbed at his chin, "maybe you should take a lap in it-to get used to using it. It does take time to adjust if you aren't used to using it."

I began to put my tools away, giving him a shake of my head, "I'll be fine-I mean I've used it before."

"Then don't complain when you fall flat on your face then."

"Ouch." I fake flinched. "You wound me so."

*He eyed me but then smiled before he turned to the motorcycle in the middle of the shop. "Is this the Prewar automobile you've been working on?" He said looking at it up and down. "I can't say I've ever seen one in this good condition before."

I rolled my eyes, "You can call it a bike." Him and his fancy big words. "It took forever to clean it up. Luckily it was in this garage, so it didn't take a beating from the weather. Just scavengers." I stood up and popped up the side panel to show him parts of the engine. It was missing many pieces including the battery. "It used to be Mr. Grygiels pride and joy, oh-he had been one of my neighbors before…before the bombs. He didn't have a spot in the Vault, so I don't know what happened to him…"

There I go thinking of the what ifs. It wasn't a spot I was ready to think about, if I did than it would only open the floodgates. "I had just started working on it as a way to distract myself in the beginning-I needed all the extra work I could find."

He gave me a sympathetic look, warmth flooding his eyes, but then quickly turned back to the bike. "How are you uh feeling?" He asked hesitantly.

I watched him for a moment before I closed the hood. "You and Nick must be on the same page today." I said playing with the tips of my hair. "He had asked me the same thing."

His face scrunched with disgust. He made a move to say something but closed his mouth and went back to looking at the bike, "that doesn't answer my question."

Rolling my eyes, I leaned against my workbench giving him a sardonic smile. "Couldn't help myself."

"If your making jokes, then you must be better." He said shaking his head.

I gave a stretch and walked over to my armor and began to put the panels back on. "I wont lie, those images are still there, but last night had been the first time in a while where I didn't have a nightmare." I paused before putting the last panel on. "Thank you Danse."

He rubbed sheepishly at the back of neck. "You don't need to thank me. "He gave a cough into his hand and looked at my armor. "Are you ready to head out? I was hoping to be on the road before the afternoon."

Putting the last panel on securely I stood up and gave another stretch, "yeah, but I was hoping to say my goodbyes first." I said as I cracked open the armor. "Piper would kill me if I left without saying goodbye again. That or track us down…"

He crossed his arms, brow furrowed. "Alright but we need to go now- "

After settling into my armor, I glanced over at him confused why he suddenly broke off. He was staring at me with a foreign expression on his face that I had never seen before. Wide eye, mouth agape as if he were in awe. My heart gave a sudden twist as goosebumps prickled my skin. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious I picked up my helmet and without looking at him I said, "you ready to go?"

He cleared his throat and ducked his head like a turtle. "Affirmative." He said, his voice hoarse.

Both of us remained silent as he climbed back into his armor. He then ducked out of the garage first, I followed suit but stopped when I bumped into him. Rubbing my nose, I glared at the back of his neck. "What the heck?" I said turning to look at his face. He had a sneer on his face. Following his line of sight, I noticed Hancock was making his way towards us. "Oh, hey there Hancock." I said when he stopped in front of us. "I was just coming to say my goodbyes."

Hancock gave a grin, "yeah about that sister," He said, "I was thinking that maybe I should tag along, you know as back up."

"Absolutely not!" Danse cut in, taking a step forward.

Hancock raise his brow and folded his arms over his check. "And why not? It's not like the radiation will effect me." He then turned back to me and said, "and you need all the help you can get. The things I've heard about the Glowing Sea. We'll let's just say it's not an easy walk on the beach."

While I couldn't argue with that, I didn't quiet care for the idea of traveling with both Hancock and Danse. They'd be at each other's throats the entire time. Yet, if the Glowing Sea was as bad as everyone claimed then an extra pair of eyes wouldn't hurt. "Alright, I think it's a good idea." I said feeling Danse's gaze bare into my back. Before he said anything though I quickly added, "but you better get ready, we were just about to head out."

Hancock's grin widened, "well its funny because I knew you'd say yes so I packed a bag last night." He threw a sly, almost Cheshire grin towards Danse and said, "so I'm all set to head out whenever you are, crew cut."

Danse clenched his fist at his sides and said with a relatively calm tone, "if you think your going with us than your sadly mistaken."

"Awe did you want it just the two of you?" Hancock said smoothly. "There are better places to go if you want some private time."

"Hancock if you want to come then behave and get your things." I said giving him a look of warning. "We'll meet you at the front gate."

He gave me a mocked salute before he jaunted over to the house he bunked in when he visited. Once out of earshot did I take a deep breath and turned back towards Danse. He was glaring. The tension in him showed in the lines on his face. He opened his mouth to speak but I cut him off. "It's a good idea!" I said quickly. "He's a ghoul so radiation doesn't affect him and having him with us will only guarantee our success out there."

"Or diminish it." He said his brow low. "The radiation could turn him feral. I don't want the chance of that happening. Or the responsibility of not only watching both of our backs but his as well."

"Hancock can handle himself. He's helped me countless of times." I threw back. "And the way I see it, its one extra pair of eyes. And the only reason you don't want him to come is because he's a ghoul! And we both know your feelings about them."

He stopped a minute, as though uncertain how to answer. I knew he was trying to come up with a counter, but the truth of the matter was, he didn't have anything. "Look Danse I'd rather not argue about it. We've had our share of arguments lately." I said watching him carefully. "How about this, he comes with us for now, but if you feel threatened we'll go our separate ways."

Obviously expecting something else, he considered a moment then nodded, formally. "Affirmative. But I swear if he gets in the way or impedes the mission, I will not hesitate to shoot him."

I rolled my eyes, I couldn't understand how easily his attitude could switch. It was as if there was an on/off switch in his brain. One minute he'd be kind and understanding, and charming-then he'd be a bull-headed idiot. It was very frustrating at times. "I'm sure if won't come to that." I shook my head and headed to the gate. And even if it would I would stop him anyway… lets just hope it doesn't. I don't need another stand off like the one I had had with Nick…

By the time Danse and I reached the main gate, everyone was there, Hancock leaning against the gate. Piper was the first, she rushed over, jumped and threw her arms around the opening in my armor. "You stay safe out there Blue!" She said as I helped her back down to the ground. She then shot a glare towards Danse, "and you Paladin better take care of her. I already gave Hancock the same warning."

"I think the Paladin can handle it." Nick said placing his metal hand on Piper's shoulder and gave Danse a polite smile. "And I have a feeling she'll have her hands full keeping these two from killing one another, right, Kid?" He moved towards me and gave me a nudge.

"It's not an easy job but someone's gotta do it."

Nick pulled my shoulders and gave me a tight squeeze. I was always thrown off by his thinness. His coat always gave me the impression he was bigger. "Stay safe out their kid and don't act impulsively." He said with a vail of sternness. "I know it's hard for you."

Pulling away I mocked being offended, "me? Impulsive? I'm insulted you think that way of me!"

Nick gave me a stare, but it was Mac who said, "Boss, hate to break it to you, you arent exactly level headed." Mac smiled, "between you, Piper, Cait and Hancock I don't know whose the more reckless!"

I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow, "and if Cait heard you talking about her when she wasn't here, she'd deck ya."

"We'll she aint here is she?"

"I could tell her." Hancock added, "somebodies gotta keep ya in line Mac."

"If you tell her Hancock, I'll tell Fahrenheit you didn't 'accidently' forget to pay her last month."

Hancock held his hands up, "fair enough."

Chuckling I shook my head and turned towards Preston who gave me a smile, "stay safe out there General." He tapped on the radio strapped over his chest, "and radio if you need backup."

"Of course, thank you Preston."

We left not too long after that, Danse leading up front, while Hancock and myself hung back. Danse, I could tell was still feeling bitter about Hancock joining us, the proof was in his hunched shoulders and tight sour expression. I would have to make him see that it wasn't a bad call, but I didn't have the slightest idea on how to do that. But first I'd have to adjust to the armor.

Walking was hard going at first. My limbs were weighed down from the armor and I felt horribly cramped. I hate tight spaces! Even with the mods I implemented it still felt sluggish and bulky. Then again that could just be me not being used to the armor.

Maybe I should have taken a lap in it.

And give Danse the satisfaction that he was right-again-Nah!

As we reached the Redrocket station I smiled. We had so far gone the entire way without anyone breaking into an argument. That was until…

"And I'm telling you Ghoul, that cutting through the city would be a suicide move." Danse said his chin raised, eyes narrowed. "Not only is the city teeming with Raider scum, it also has an influx of feral and mutants. No, we will not be 'cutting' through it."

Hancock scoffed, "you aint from around here crew cut so I'll give ya some advice." He smiled, "best way to get to the Glowing Sea is through Boston."

Danse's brow furrowed as his eyes pierced through Hancock's "and I keep telling you, Freak, we are not going through the city!"

Hancock matched Danse's glare with one of his own, even going so far as marching right up to Danse, "and you'd rather go through Gunner territory?" He raised. "might as well paint a target over your pretty little Brotherhood insignia. "

I saw Danse's vein bulge on his forehead, but before I could stop either of them, Danse said forcefully, "Listen, freak you are not in charge of this operation, there for your input is both unwanted and unneeded."

"I thought all 'good' leaders listened to advice from others." Hancock threw back, "guess you aint a very good leader."

Danse's face grew beat read and for a second I thought the vein on his forehead would burst from the stress. I jumped in-between them before things got any hotter. "How about this," I said quickly as I flipped through the screen on my Pip-boy until I got to the map. "Ah, how about we follow the same path Nick and I used to track down Kellogg? Then we can go the long way around Lake Cochituate?"

I caught Danse give Hancock a glare and turned away just as Hancock brought his thumb in front his nose and wiggled his fingers and stuck out his tongue. I choked on my laugh as Danse turned around sharply. Thankfully Hancock was quicker. Hancock snickered when Danse's glare turned dark. "I think that's a good idea there, sister." Hancock grinned at me, "well take the scenic route. That okay with you crew cut?"

Danse's brow creased as his eyes shifted between me and Hancock, until his eyes rested on me. He gave me an exasperated look before he said, "good work, Knight, why don't you lead the way, I'll cover the rear."

"Roger that." I said as I watched him take up the place behind us. He gave Hancock one final glare before he turned his attention to his surroundings, keeping vigilant and alert.

Taking a deep breath, I shrugged off my frustration. If we all got annoyed, we wouldn't get anywhere. And if neither of them wanted to act like adults then I would have to.

As much as I enjoyed both Danse's and Hancock's company, I have to say when they're stuck together they're both very, very unpleasant to be around. Danse's racist side was hard to deal with when he would just say a few words, but with Hancock around it only brought it out-his filter turned off. And it wasn't just Danse, Hancock was deliberately provoking him.

Hopefully they wouldn't kill one another by the end of this….

I had a feeling this hostility towards one another wasn't just because one was a ghoul and the other a Brotherhood officer. Their personalities were vastly different. Danse was a man that followed rules to a 'T', no exceptions and no way around them. While Hancock followed rules loosely. Though they did share one thing in common, they both had a sense of Justice for the Common folk; they both cared.

Maybe that was the key that I desperately needed to get them to cooperate. Or maybe they'd just end up arguing about whose 'sense of justice' was right.

Well, at least it was silent.

Maybe a little too silent. Glancing between the two, they both shared two opposite expressions. While Danse had a sharp uptight frown on his face, Hancock was smiling blissfully as he breathed in his jet.

I noticed Danse glance over at Hancock, his lips twisting into an almost sneered. Clearing my throat, I gained his attention and gave him a smile. Distraction, an art so perfect to stop an argument. "So," I trailed off trying to stay between Danse and Hancock," how's the armor from Cambridge treating you?"

He raised an eyebrow before he looked down at his breastplate. "It took a bit to clean it up and repaint it, but it's held up satisfactory. I am hoping to give it a proper field test once we reach the Glowing Sea."

I had forgotten the armor absorbed radiation. "Cool, I'm glad you'll get to test it."

Danse smiled and puffed out his chest slightly, "Elder Maxon wants another full report on the radiation effects on the armor. If they are up to bar, then the scribes in R and D will break it down to recreate it."

Biting my lips, I looked over the armor. "It might be hard to get those ingredients again." I muttered. "I'm not a scientist but I think most of those chemicals we used had been man made."

"I have no doubts that the Brotherhood has the technology to recreate it." He said in a way that sounded almost accusatory, as he gave me a pointed look. Right, never dismiss what the Brotherhood might be able to do. "I'm not concerned."

Hancock snickered which garnered both Danse's and mine attention. "I doubt your Brotherhood guys can remake anything that was made in prewar times." He chuckled. "No offense, but from what I've seen, you guys don't seem very bright-no offense, sunshine."

Danse's brow narrowed as I saw that very same vein from earlier bulge. "Do not insult the brotherhood again in my presence, Freak!" He spat.

"Awe did I hurt your whittle feelings- "

"Hey!" I jumped in, "there's the Museum of Freedom! That's where I found my armor and met Preston!"

"And got your ass kicked by raiders." Hancock jabbed.

"Aye! I did not!"

"Dogmeat did all the work."

"I defeated the Deathclaw though!"

"That was pure luck, sister." He said shaking his head, "now I would pay good caps to see you fight another one."

"Oh? Let's go find out right now! I betchya a hundred caps I'll win!"

"Your on, there's gotta be one around here somewhere- "

"Absolutely not!" Danse ordered issuing us both a stern glare of warning. "We are not straying from our mission, nor are we looking for our deaths! If we see a Deathclaw do not engage!"

Hancock rolled his eyes, "jeeze you're a thrill kill." He said, "What happens if the Deathclaw engages us huh? We gonna run? It'll just hunt us down."

Danse's glare sharpened. "No, we will defend ourselves. But if we avoid a fight with a Deathclaw then we won't have that problem, now will we?"

Danse said no more on the topic and walked ahead. Hancock shrugged towards me and followed; mocking Danse's stride. Shaking my head, I followed behind.

Hours had past since we left Sanctuary, and while I wanted to say they went by fast, I'd be lying. Everything caused a fight between the two. The speed we traveled at, how much water Hancock drank. How little we stopped. Though now I had Hancock successfully distracted, if there was one thing he enjoyed it was telling funny stories.

Hancock let out a deep booming laugh shaking his head, "oh god the line you used, oh that was so priceless!" He said wiping a tear from his eye, "come on say it, but use the shrouds voice."

I gave him a pointed look, my cheeks burning. Looking through the corner of my eyes at Danse, whose eyebrow raised. I felt my entire face flare with heat. There was no way I was going to repeat my rendition of the Silver Shroud at least not in front of Danse. "Come on, Sunshine!" Hancock pouted, "you were great!"

Groaning I looked away from his puppy dog eyes, "you were with me when I said it the first time!" I said crossing my arms and burying my very bright red face in my scarf. "Can't you just remember it."

"But it's not the same!"

When I had put on the costume, my actor's mind took over and got the better of me. I had gone a little overboard but, in my defense, it was the real Silver Shrouds costume! How could I not give it my all, "Fine!" I groaned. Straightening my back and narrowing my eyes I said, "this Neighborhood is ill, and I am the cure!"

Hancock howled with laughter as he clutched his stomach, "oh, oh that's rich!" He said between breaths, "as if the Silver Shroud stepped outta the book!"

My face at this point felt as if I had stuffed my head in an oven. Slowly, cautiously I glanced at Danse who seemed confused. "Silver Shroud?" He asked, which only furthered my embarrassment. Please Danse don't ask. "As in those old prewar comic books?"

Hancock jumped in, "you betchya crew cut." He grinned and swept an arm around my shoulder dragging me close. This caused Danse to scowl. He looked like he was about to threaten Hancock when Hancock continued, "our little Vault Dweller here dawned on the Shrouds costume and put a stop to some nasty criminals who were makin' my town look bad. Should'a seen her in action, the way she jumped in. Was like the real-life Silver shroud!"

Danse frowned disapprovingly. "Why would you waste your time doing that?" He said his brow creased. "That 'town' is only inhabited by more criminals anyway."

"Hey! Don't you be disrespecting my town there tin can!" Hancock snapped, crossing his arms and throwing Danse a glare. "That city is better than those poor settlements which had the unfortunate luck to be claimed by the Brotherhood!"

"Those settlements are protected by the best! At least there secure, can you say the same for your own!" Danse threw back.

"Those settlers that your Brotherhood claim to protect are being threatened and extorted! The majority of their crops taken from then, leaving barely enough for their own mouths!" Hancock said coldly.

"Come on you two!" I said trying to divert their attention. "Were wasting time- "

"That is a blatant lie, Freak! I won't have you spread such blasphemous nonsense about the Brotherhood!"

"And how would you know its not a lie?" Hancock challenged, the smirked had been wiped completely off his face. I could tell Hancock was beginning to get serious. "Have you ever talked with any of the settlers or are they too far under you to care?"

"How dare you insinuate such an accusation! You don't understand a thing about the Brotherhood." Danse was close to the edge of loosing his temper completely. "Those settlers are well taken care of, just like the settlements in the Capital Wasteland."

"Have you've ever visited a settlement your Brotherhood protects? If you have I don't think we'd be having this conversation- "

"That's enough!" I shouted as I forcefully shoved my way between them. "This argument has going on long enough and I'm sick of hearing the two of you!" I said glancing between the them. I jabbed my finger into Hancock's chest, "you promised me good behavior, well where is it? Because this certainly isn't it!" Then I whirled and glared at Danse, "and Paladin! You're better than to raise to his bouts, so let's drop the argument and be on our way!"

I couldn't tell whether astonishment or anger was more pronounce on Danse's face, but I shrugged off my anxiety over it. If he wanted to chew me out on speaking to my superior like that, then he could. "Knight." He broke off jaw clamped, "lead on."

Studying his expression, I felt a knot grown in my stomach. I gave him a nod and walked on. My shoulders hunched with the weight of his expression.

It's not like I regret what I had said, the two were acting like children. I shook my head and continued forward with Hancock walking besides me and Danse behind us. Hancock scooted a little closer to me as we walked, "lost my head back there, sorry about that sunshine." He grinned and elbowed me.

Blowing air out of my nose I elbowed him back, "just watch it with the barbs." I said lowering my voice, "He's already on edge, he doesn't need you pissing him off."

He held his hands up in defense, "it's all in good fun their sister. But he's the one that let it take a sour turn." He dropped his hands just to fish out a cigarette. After lighting it he said, "He was disrespecting Goodnieghbor, I couldn't let him get away with it."

I rolled my eyes, "can't you two just leave each other alone?"

He grinned, "it's my favorite pass time, pokin' the bigot." He said, "outta try it, next best stress reliever, right up there with sex and chems."

I pinched the bridge of my nose but chuckled despite the frustration. "I'll keep it in mind." Shaking my head, I passed him a serious look, "just please try and hold back the temptation. Danse may be Brotherhood, but he's not like all those stuck up jerks. He cares."

"Cares about humans. He's a bigot- "

"Hancock," I cut in, "people don't change overnight. It'll take time."

Hancock opened his mouth but Danse silence him when he held up his hand. "Quiet." He ordered, drawing out his rifle. "I thought I heard gun fire."

I raised my eyebrow, thinking it was just him lying to try and get us to stop talking, "I don't hear-" I was silenced by a narrowed look he gave me.

We waited and just when I was about to repeat myself, a string of gunfire and wild laughter broke the air.

The three of us rushed for cover behind a solo dilapidated wall. Danse peered over the corner. "Looks like raiders are held up in the shop twenty meters ahead." He said methodically. "It appears their firing at a group of feral ghouls, only two left."

"Should we avoid them? It's getting late and going around would waste time." I said.

Danse squinted, "We would draw the ferals attention thus gaining the raider's. I count five hostiles on the roof. I am unsure of their numbers in the building itself."

Hancock shrugged next to me, "there just raiders. It'll be one less group harassing the little folk." Hancock said taking out his shot gun. "I say let's go."

I did agree with Hancock but knew Danse would need a bit more convincing. I turned back towards Danse who was still focusing on the raider stronghold. "I'll be a good place to set up camp for the night." I offered scooting closer to him. "It is a lot safe than camping out in the open, not to mention all the supplies they could have in there."

"And chems."

Both Danse and I shot Hancock a look, not helping Hancock….

Danse turned back towards the Raider camp and was silent, thinking it over. He glanced at me, "what do you think our plan should be."

I blinked taken aback by the question. Normally he would tell me an order not the other way around. Was he testing me? "Well both you and Hancock have close combat weapon skills- "

"So do you Sunshine." Hancock remarked.

Shooting him a look I continued, "I'll hang back at a distance and shoot the raiders on the roof, then move in closer once their down." I said squinting off at the roof. "Once the roofs clear I'll head up there to give you ground cover if needed."

Hancock gave a full body stretch and cracked his knuckles, "sure about that, sister? You'll be missing out on all the fun."

Grinning I unslung my rifle, "I only brought my sniper and a pistol, so I shouldn't get too close. "That and Danse would have a cow if I did that. After Cambridge I knew he took the safety of his recruits very seriously and jumping into a close quarters battle when it didn't call for it would really set his nerves on fire. He was already angry enough, I didn't want to put him over the edge. "Sound like a plan?" I asked hesitantly, glancing at Danse.

He looked at me thoughtfully then glanced back at the building, "affirmative." He said with a nod, "just keep your distance freak."

Hancock gave a shrug and pulled shotgun shells out of his pocket, "Awe, I thought we were really bonding crew cut." Hancock said mocking a pout.

I rolled my eyes and gave Hancock a slight push, "get the led out." I muttered settling into a spot and aiming my rifle, "get into position and I'll give you the signal when its clear to go in."

Hancock gave a mocked salute before he snuck off to my right and slowly made his way towards the raider base. I looked back towards Danse who was watching Hancock with a hawk like glare. "I don't trust him."

Groaning I looked at him through the corner of my vision. "Is that because he's a ghoul or because he insulted the Brotherhood."

He shot me a frown of disapproval, but I ignored it. "He is an addict who can't be trusted." He said steely, "it has nothing to do with the fact that he is a ghoul. It is only part of the problem."

"Sure, it is." I said peeking through my scope. "Just please try and work with him."

I heard him blow air out of his nose, "he isn't exactly a team player either." He said. "All he cares about is his next hit. Filthy addict."

Shaking my head, I shot him a look, "Danse please."

His brow creased as he switched his safety off, "I'll be your spotter till the roofs clear."

Shrugging I adjusted my scopes. I had one raider in my vision perfectly. He was engaged in lude movements towards the last of the feral ghouls as if trying to tease them. While the others finished off what was left of the ferals. I took a deep breath in and released the tension in my body. The day when the group of raiders tried to attack Sanctuary I had done terrible. Hopefully today would be different.

Three shots, one to the thigh, arm then the chest took down the mocking raider. I saw the other four run around like chickens with their heads cut off. They hastily glanced around in full alert mode. One of the raiders stop and squinted off towards Hancock's direction. I was lucky when I fired one shot. "Two down." I breathed out.

"Outstanding. Three left?"

"Yeah." I trailed off watching one. "There not very bright-oh they just opened the doors. Four raiders are looking around and…"

Oh great.

"That damn ghoul!" Danse growled leaping from cover and charged towards the raider group. Hancock had jumped from his position and had engaged the group with his knife, not his shot gun. Oh, Danse was going to have a field day over that.

Deciding I had spent too long on the group, I turned my sights just in time to duck before a bullet hit where my head was. "Shit!" I blurted out as my chin grazed the gravel. I peered around the wall, fired four rounds until I heard the raider scream before I heard something hit the ground hard. Biting my lip, I tried to suppress a shudder. Killing still didn't feel right-I knew these monsters were barely human, but still.

Taking a few quick breaths, I squinted off towards Danse and Hancock. More raiders had joined the group. Danse looked furious from what I could see, while Hancock-who was stabbing away-seemed to be taking pride in his handy work.

I suppressed a growl as I turned my gun back on the raiders on the roof. Could those two go five minutes without pissing off one another.

The next raider ducked at the right time, my bullet whizzing past where his head had been, damn.

Hancock and Danse were two entirely different-strong-personalities so it made sense that they would butt head over everything. But I've never seen Danse loose his cool so easily before-at least not over something so small as their arguments. What was it about Hancock that infuriated Danse so much? It couldn't just be the chems, nor him being a ghoul. I've seen him around other ghouls before, he'd just get quiet and tense-not bother to acknowledge them. But with Hancock it was always hostile.

Whatever the case was I knew I had to be the referee between them else they'd strangle one another.

As I followed the last roof raiders movement I wondered if Hancock really felt threatened by Danse, or if it was all just an act to rile Danse up. I knew when Danse insulted Goodneighbor, that was him only slightly angry. And now that I think about it, I've never actually seen Hancock angry before. Even during the Bobbi No Nose situation.

I grumbled when I saw the raider duck into a hallway that lead inside the building. Great, couldn't even get that last guy. Maybe snipers weren't my thing after all… Glancing back towards the ground group, Danse and Hancock had finished off most of the raiders. Only three remained.

Biting my lip, I weighted on whether I should move in….

Chapter Twelve

End

*I had forgotten to edit the previous chapter. She is fixing up a motorcycle not a car.