TW: DISCUSSIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE, RAPE, AND CHILD LOSS.


Hancock returned to his apartment an hour later and found Jackie in a deep sleep on his couch, snoring softly, her face tucked into the back of the sofa. She curled in on herself, her arm wrapped protectively around her belly. Hancock studied her, still in disbelief at what he had found out during his outing. He had caught up with the other ex-slaves to follow-up on their well-being, and to introduce himself. What he had discovered during his meet and greets was more troubling information about all of the victims that Jackie hadn't let on. The women and the men had gone through hell for months. Jackie more so than everyone else.

The conversations with the other victims came stumbling forward front and center of his memory, twisting his stomach into knots. Hancock had sat alone with a young man named Martin in Amari's office as Martin managed to recount how Jackie had been raped and violently struck often on their journey to Boston, and not just by her piece of shit husband. The slavers all had used and abused her, and even forced the other enslaved men to rape her and the other woman he came to know as Daphne, as well as each other for cheap perverted entertainment.

John tried to push the conversations back into the corner of his mind, his lips curling deeper into a frown the longer he focused on Jackie. He was disgusted at the bruises and welts on her legs, arms and her gaunt face, at the festering wound at her neck, the frailness of her entire body. He almost wished he could resurrect those assholes and kill them again and again and again. It wouldn't be enough to heal any of the people whose lives the slavers had ruined, but it would have been a damn great start.

He couldn't believe that Jackie hadn't lost her child through all of the trauma. He could believe that she endured so much because she had fight in her. She was going to be a spitfire and he knew it the moment she stepped out of the lineup to rat out Peter, the now very dead slaver, of his seriously horrendous transgressions.

That fear had been long gone. She thought she was done for at that point. John grimaced at the dark thought as he quietly placed a bottle of water on the table next to Jackie and left her to her much needed rest. He had a feeling that her battle wouldn't be over yet, not mentally or emotionally, for a while, and he hoped she would be okay with allowing him or Doctor Amari to help her through it. He moved to his desk to quietly go over paperwork Fahrenheit had left him earlier before their adventure into the heart of Boston.

Another hour passed and a heavy knock on the door jostled Jackie awake. She sat up as quickly as she could in the rotted sinking couch, eyes gazing wildly around her as she came from the arms of sleep.

"You're safe." Hancock spoke softly from his spot at his desk, his cheek resting on his fist as he watched confused panic cross her face. "One moment!" He called to the person waiting on the other side of the door.

Jackie snapped her gaze in Hancock's direction before her dry red eyes focused on him. He nodded reassuringly at her, his posture relaxed, he slouched in his desk chair. Finally realizing where she was, Jackie groaned, uttering a quiet "oh," lying back down to stare at the cracked ceiling. "I'm sorry." She rasped, clearing her throat to continue. "I need to get my bearings straight. I honestly forgot where I was."

John watched her slowly move her hand down over her stomach, pausing to rest her hand on her left hip, rubbing it in a slow steady circle with her thumb, her eyes closed, her breathing deep and slow. She raised her right hand to her eyes and pressed them closed.

John swallowed slowly and tore his gaze away from Jackie to stare at the worn floor, trying to distract himself from watching her try to press and rub the uncomfortableness and pain out of her body. He hated that he was invading her privacy - something she deserved more than anyone. He decided then and there to set her up in the room across the hall while she recovered and eventually got settled with the baby.

John lurched out of the chair, addressing Jackie as she finally sat up and rearranged herself on the couch. "That's probably Doctor Amari. There's some more water for you on the table, hopefully they have your lunch with them." He pointed to the water on the table as he moved to open the door. Daisy and Doctor Amari were waiting at the threshold with Smithy behind them carrying a tray of food. "Ahh, welcome, welcome." Hancock motioned for the women to enter the room before taking the tray from Smithy. "Thanks again Smithy." .

Hancock brought the tray to Jackie and waited for Smithy to close the door before he began. "Ladies, this lovely young lady is named Jackie Riley and she's one of the new residents of Goodneighbor. If you could, Amari, would you check her over and make sure she has a clean bill of health? I know you work with the brain, but you're the only doc we've got in town."

"I think we can manage that." Doctor Amari replied with a reassuring smile to Jackie. "The brain is my specialty but it doesn't mean I forgot my training. My name is Doctor Amari, obviously. Is your name short for Jacqueline?"

"Yes. Jackie is fine though."

Daisy waved carefully, keeping her distance from Jackie. Hancock paced slowly behind Daisy, waiting for the introductions to finish. "I'm Daisy, I'm a prewar ghoul. I'm a merchant and have a store in front of town. I've helped deliver children in the past. If that's something else you need?"

Hancock stopped his pacing and smiled confidently at Jackie, "Looks like I picked the perfect duo for your delivery and recovery."

Jackie nodded in agreement. "Thank you." She quietly addressed the women and Hancock.

"Doc, if you could, give Jackie a once over now before she eats lunch… Daisy, come out here to the balcony so we can have a chat and give them some privacy."

Daisy followed Hancock outside. She sat down in the chair on the balcony and watched the mayor lean against the balcony rail to address her, his eyes kept returning to the woman settled on the couch in his apartment. "I need you to find a few things for Jackie and her baby. I'll pay for it all, no questions asked. Can you get in contact with Nora and tell her to scout out baby supplies and a crib through her merchant lines?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea, John?" Daisy asked, brow arched at the request.

"What do you mean?"

"Nora literally woke up six months ago and lost her infant son and husband in what felt like minutes to her."

"Damn it, you're right." Hancock grimaced, "I'm an idiot. Well, I'm sure we can figure something out. When's the next merchant rolling through town?"

"A week from now."

"I don't think we have long before Jackie gives birth so you'll need to gather up whatever you need through the merchants coming through. I'll send scouts out into Boston and see what we can find for the baby."

"Don't know if you've been around infants very often, John, but they don't require much. Love, attention, clean diapers, a breast, and somewhere safe to sleep."

"I haven't been around kids in years actually. I was more interested in getting high, chasing skirts and harassing my brother than settling down. When's the last time we had any kids officially roaming around Goodneighbor?"

"It's been awhile." Daisy replied slowly, her head in the clouds from years past. "Right before you strolled in and took over."

Hancock scoffed. "Streets are probably safer today for them."

"You're not wrong. Although I would probably avoid going around stabbing people now wouldn't you say?" Daisy cocked her brow knowingly at John.

Hancock shrugged noncommittal, a grin flitted across his face. "If anything, people better be more on their toes now if Jackie and the rest of the group decides to stick around. I guess I'll have to remind Goodneighbor of that before the little one goes toddling about the town with his mother."

Daisy cackled, shaking her head. "That's disgustingly cute, John, and also rather disturbing."

Hancock laughed out loud, not noticing the sound had reached the women sitting inside, both wearing a grin at his rather contagious laugh. Placing a hand over his heart, Hancock bowed slightly. "I aim to please."

"Good." Daisy said with some finality, standing up to return inside. Pausing in her steps she turned around again to face Hancock, a serious plead in Daisy expression. "Take care of her John, or else. You've got more than one life in your hands right now."


Jackie moaned in relief as she carefully sank into the bathtub. If there was one thing she wished she could have every day for the rest of her life, it would be a hot bath. Unfortunately for her and for many people in the Wastelands, they were few and far in-between.

"Here. Take this." Daisy, the ghoul woman sitting by her side unfurled her hand to reveal Rad-x, and a bottle of purified water held out in her other hand. "Unfortunately, that's radiated water. We don't want that sweet baby coming out looking like me do we?"

Jackie smiled weakly in return taking the medication from Daisy without complaint or ceremony. She had met the merchant during her lunch. Pre-war ghouls were a rare group of people, and Jackie has never met one in person until now. Daisy promised to tell Jackie more about life before the bombs after she took a bath, and had her check up, and with that promise explained that she would be assisting Jackie.

Jackie was weary to be alone with anyone else so soon, and with the skeptical unsure expression on her face, Hancock insisted he would accompany the women to the state building basement. He promised to not be far; his presence was also a good way to keep the rest of the neighborhood from nosing in on the poor woman's bath. He sat next to the stairs whittling a piece of wood to keep himself occupied, listening to the quiet mummers of the women in the old jail cell.

"Can I help you wash?" Daisy asked gently, pointing at the wash cloth and soap in her hand.

"Please." Jackie leaned forward for Daisy to wash her back. "I'd do this myself, but I'm exhausted."

"I can only imagine." Daisy's hand was gentle as she danced up Jackie's back with a rag and soap. Bruises, dirt and blood marred the girl's back. Daisy's expression darkened as she counted the ribs she could see. Too many. Jackie's stomach was a misshapen prominence against her undernourished body. Jackie hissed at the soap ghosting the wound on her neck, Daisy jerked back the rag. "I'm so sorry." Guilt racing through her words.

"No it's fine." Jackie's lips trembled as she held back tears. "It needs to be cleaned anyway."

The silence stretched between the women as Daisy carefully cleaned the neck wound. It didn't look or smell good at all and was definitely in need of an antibiotic and a stim pack. The wound oozed and was angrily red at the edges. It sat at the base of her neck where the collar had sat and rubbed.

Daisy dabbed around the wound as Jackie grunted uncomfortably, pushing a hand into the crest of her swollen stomach. "Baby's dancing on my ribs. He's soaking up the energy from what little food I ate." She mused softly, almost to herself.

"How far along are you?" Daisy eyed her curiously.

Jackie scoffed. "I wish I knew. I haven't had access to a calendar, or a radio to hear the date. I'm guessing at this point I'll be due within a few weeks. Maybe by the next full moon."

"That's in little over three and a half weeks … so not long now." Daisy smiled softly, reaching for the cup sitting on the floor. "We will need to fatten you and the babe up as much as possible, and we need to get some clothes and diapers for the child."

Jackie swallowed and felt her cheeks heat up. "I'm sorry, I have no money to get any food or supplies." She turned to lean over the bathtub, pulling rings off her right thumb and pointer finger, laying both in her palm. "But I do have my husband's and my rings to sell if you know where I can take them to get the most caps. She fisted the rings and moved to replace both on her hand. "Or if you know where I can get room and board in exchange for work, I would greatly appreciate it."

Daisy chuckled and waved away Jackie's requests. "Honey, you're under the care of John Hancock. You don't need to worry about a damn thing except making sure that baby and yourself come out as healthy as possible."

Jackie frowned and sat back in the tub. "He told me that upstairs, but I don't want to be a freeloader. I can pull my own weight once I'm healed up enough." Jackie studied Daisy carefully before moving her gaze to where she knew Hancock sat outside the small room. "Who is he anyway? I know he's the leader of the town, but I've never seen or heard of anyone like him before."

Daisy kneeled down, scooping water into the cup to wet Jackie's hair. " Lean your head back please." She poured the water over Jackie's scalp, working her fingertips through the younger woman's matted, oiled hair. She leaned in close and spoke with a low voice, fingers continuously massaging Jackie's scalp much to her appreciation. "Hancock is one of the most dangerous men in the Commonwealth, not someone to question or trifle with when it comes protecting the people living in his town. He took over the town about ten years ago, wiping out the gang that had control over this place - they reigned terror on anyone who crossed their path. Goodneighbor might not be the best place for families to settle down, but it's sunshine and rainbows here compared to a decade ago and that's all thanks to him."

Jackie wiped away the water in her eyes, blinking as she watched Daisy begin to lather the bar of soap to wash her hair. "Am I in trouble sticking around?"

Daisy laughed quietly, peering over her shoulders before leaning in again. "Heavens no. It's just if he had overheard me, my words would get to his head and he'd gloat about it for days." She rolled her eyes. "John's fond of his dangerous reputation."

"What a strange and confusing man." Jackie mumbled as Daisy began shampooing her hair.

"Tell me about it, but there is nothing better than having him on your side. That man has bled and continues to bleed for freedom."

In no time the bath water was a muddy brown, but Jackie came out of that disgusting water feeling more clean and alive than she had in months. With Daisy's help, she stepped out of the tub and was handed a towel. "Thank you, Daisy." She dried and wrapped the towel around herself.

Daisy gestured to the stool. "Don't thank me yet. We still have to work the rats nest out of your hair."

Carefully her hair was brushed, untangled, and returned to its long smooth state. Jackie leaned forward and braided her hair over her right shoulder to keep it off her neck.

"There!" Daisy turned to pick up the pile of clothing sitting by the tub. "Now we can bandage your neck and get you dressed. I have here what is called a wrap dress. This was popular maternity fashion before the war. It was mine. I have no use for it so it's yours to keep. It'll also fit you after the baby is born."

Daisy held up a dark green cotton dress and a pair of worn black canvas shoes. "Cute isn't it? You'll be very comfortable in this get up while you heal. Oh, and I have undergarments for you as well. Can't forget those."

Jackie dressed silently careful not to pull the bandage off her neck. Daisy picked up the sheathed combat knife Hancock had given Jackie from the floor and handed it to her before returning to the task of cleaning up the rest of the bath area. Jackie watched Daisy pick up the rags and belt that she'd worn when she was freed. "That belt you're holding, what do you think it's worth? I want to sell it."

Daisy examined the belt and laid it over her arm. "18 caps, as for your rings and that necklace on your wrist, if you're selling it - It'll all be worth 450 caps. If you want to stop at my store later to trade or sell, I'm sure Hancock will show you the way. I'll return your belt to John's apartment or I can take it to the shop to hold onto it until your visit. Whichever you want."

"Apartment if you could." Jackie nodded, strapping her knife to the waist belt of her dress. "Thank you again for your help, Daisy." She stepped slowly out of the room, holding onto the wall as she moved. "Hancock."

John looked up from his whittling, doing a double take before stuffing his project into his coat pocket and putting away his knife. "Well, look at you. Are you starting to feel any better?" He stood, towering over her. She's got to be at least five feet tall if I'm actually bending my head to look down at her. Hancocked mused. He knew he wasn't the tallest of men so it entertained him to actually know someone much smaller than him.

"Almost." Jackie smiled softly, one hand holding her bump, leaning herself against the wall. "Once I get my neck checked out I'll almost feel like a million caps compared to this morning."

"Doesn't she look lovely and comfortable in that dress." Daisy came into the hall with the rest of the supplies. "Well, what are we waiting for? Don't you have a doctor's appointment to attend?"

Hancock returned Jackie's smile, ignoring Daisy's lament. He was pleased with how well she seemed to be improving within the last two hours alone. "Good to hear sister. Need a hand up the stairs?" Hancock nodded toward the stairs.

Jackie sighed, "Yes, if you could help… again, I'd really appreciate it. My feet are fat and swollen." She made a disgusted face at her feet.

Hancock carefully lifted her back into his arms, making his way up the stairs. "We're heading to Doctor Amari's office now. She told me she'd rather see you where the medical supplies are."

"Makes sense. I can walk there, Hancock, if you want to put me down outside."

"You've walked enough for the both of us. Let me take care of you for a little bit yeah?"

Hancock moved up the stairs with ease, thanking his guard for opening the door for the duo. Jackie winced at the sunlight before her eyes adjusted to being back outside. She took in her new home - it was a small town and it was filled to the brim with all walks of life. Merchants lined the streets hawking their wares, Jackie could smell a variety of foods cooking as they passed vendors. The people of Goodneighbor greeted Hancock as he passed them. He nodded his greetings, hands full and attention ahead of him.

There's too many people here; too many eyes. It leaves Jackie feeling vulnerable... overwhelmed. The sights, the smells, the sounds; it was too much for her to process and so she whimpered and tucked her face into Hancock's neck.

Hancock grunted and adjusted his grip on Jackie's back. "Are you alright?" Jackie felt the low rumble of his voiced concerns as she pressed her face into him, she shivered involuntarily from the vibrations of his voice.

"Yeah, just getting nauseous is all."

Hancock moved to a bench situated in front of the Memory Den and sat Jackie down. "I'll give you a minute. This is where Amari is. Her office is downstairs. I'll come with you and then hang out outside the office while you have your checkup."

"Thank you John."

Hancock looked confused. "What for now?"

"I suppose… For never overstepping boundaries. For asking permission. For being an honorable person. You don't get many people like you in the Wastes."

Hancock frowned and looked away, unable to look Jackie in the eyes. "I wouldn't call myself honorable, but I appreciate that you think I am."

"You haven't proven me wrong yet."

"We've known each other maybe five hours." His gaze solemnly returned to hers. Give it time. I haven't been mayor of Goodneighbor this long simply because of my honor." Hancock shoved his hands into his pockets, rocking back and forth on his heels, eager to change the subject. He produced a berry mentat from his pocket, slipping it into his mouth. "You good to go?"

Jackie studied him as he looked up to wave at a neighbor calling for him. He was ashamed of something and she was curious as to what could make this arrogant and incredibly curious man feel that way. What made John Hancock tick? And why? She nodded to herself and slowly lifted herself up, hand pressed firmly under her belly as she stood. Maybe it would be better to wait and see if her judgment was right. It felt right to her. He felt right to her.

John returned his gaze to Jackie before holding his hand out to her, a hand scarred and worn from life. "Would you like to walk in or do you want me to carry you?"

Jackie felt the heavy desire and need to walk herself into that appointment. She wanted to show the world and John Hancock that she wasn't that helpless. That she could carry her own. "I think I will try and walk from here." She said confidently.

John nodded, "Let me show you the way."


Yooooo so I forgot to upload this chapter to FF. It's been up for weeks on Ao3. I'm sorry to exclusive FF users! :O I didn't realize! R/R.