A/N: TRACK LIST: "Nervous" by Shawn Mendes.

I get a little bit nervous around you;
Get a little bit stressed out when I think about you!
Get a little excited
Baby, when I think about you,
Talk a little too much around you —
Get a little self-conscious
When I think about you.
Get a little excited ...
Baby, when I think about you!

"I've got a bad feeling about this one," Nick said grimly as the pair stopped in front of the short hallway that led to Valentine's Detective Agency. He peered at Evelyn, lips pursed. "I understand you need money and supplies if we're going to go after Kellogg, and I know work has been pretty hard to come by, but… I didn't like the look in that ghoul's eye. I'm telling you; she's bad news."

The pair had come to Diamond City after Evelyn accepted a job offer from a ghoul in Goodneighbor named Bobbi No-Nose. She seemed sketchy, and Evelyn had taken the job simply out of desperation… but upon encountering mirelurks in the tunnel she was supposed to dig through, and losing the entirety of Bobbi's hired crew to the creatures, Evelyn had been told to meet Bobbi in Diamond City to recruit a third person for the job, a person who supposedly would make the entire dig much simpler. Nick had decided to stop in at his agency to check on Ellie only to find that there were two new important cases that needed his attention; now, he was saying a temporary farewell to Evelyn.

And apparently giving advice she didn't ask for.

Evelyn gave Nick a small, reassuring smile, tinged with sadness. "I need caps, Nick. And she's offering a lot of them. I can't afford to let morality or dignity stand in my way… I need to find Shaun."

Nick stared at her a moment, the gears literally turning in his head; finally, he gave her a short nod and reaching out a hand to shake. "Good luck to you, then. Come back and see me when you're ready to confront Kellogg and get your son back. I'll be waiting for you. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Evelyn."

Evelyn took the extended hand, shaking it firmly. She knew it was just her mind playing tricks on her, but his fingers felt… warm. Strong. She hadn't known Nick all that long, but he'd been a dependable and trustworthy friend. He'd helped her more already than anyone else in the Commonwealth. Her gray eyes glowed in appreciation, conveying gratitude where words wouldn't suffice. "Thank you, Nick. I'll be back."

As she left the agency's entry-way and made her way into the market square of Diamond City to meet up with Bobbi No-Nose and her other hire, Evelyn wondered what exactly they really were digging for underneath Goodneighbor. It must've been some old pre-war stash or something if Bobbi was promising that many caps. Evelyn wasn't stupid; she knew very well that they could possibly be stealing from someone — but she was so desperate to continue her pursuit of Shaun's kidnappers that she was willing to take the risk. She'd pay all dues and make all amends once Shaun was found; that much she could guarantee.

Evelyn found her mind wandering back to her first encounter in Goodneighbor, and the impression it had left on her; how the mayor swaggered his way onto the scene just a week ago and into her brain and couldn't seem to find his way out. After she'd gotten some shotgun shells at a shop right near the entrance, run by a friendly yet somewhat sassy ghoul named Daisy, Evelyn had gone looking for work and found herself standing in the middle of a crowd, looking up at a balcony on the second floor of a building in the center of the small community.

On that balcony: Hancock, delivering a speech about sticking together as a community and warning the townspeople below about the Commonwealth's bogeyman: the Institute. Evelyn had heard a lot about the Institute, and had even met a few synths (hell, one of them was currently helping her find her missing child); she didn't see how synths themselves were evil — in fact, she'd heard many of the latest models were just like real people, with emotions and personalities and fears and dreams… they couldn't all be bad, she'd decided.

But the Institute itself was a different story.

Hancock's speech was inspiring and roused the group on the ground into a cheer. "Of the people, for the people!" they all chanted as they went their separate ways; it seemed to be the town's mantra and Evelyn figured she'd just have to get used to hearing it, however unoriginal it was.

The ravenette found her feet moving without direction and in a few minutes' time she had made her way inside the Old State House without even realizing it. Gray eyes scanned the area for a particular face without even knowing they were doing so; up to the second floor the woman went, as if in a trance.

The mayor of Goodneighbor had his back turned as he leaned over something on the table in front of him; nearby, in a corner of the room, a ginger-haired woman clad in raider armor stood guard. She eyed Evelyn suspiciously, but said nothing. Evelyn, on the other hand, wondered what the hell a raider was doing here as a mayor's right hand — what the hell kind of town was this where raiders were hired by town leaders? She didn't ponder or stare too long; her eyes wandered back over to Hancock, who had tipped his head back, still leaned over the table.

"Aaaah, that hits the spot," the ghoul rasped, finally turning around. He gave pause when he saw Evelyn standing there. "It's you," he greeted, a mischievous glint in his black eyes. "Where's my old pal Nick?"

"He had some business to take care of elsewhere," Evelyn replied evasively.

Hancock braced one hand on the table, leaning against it for support, while the other offered a rusted tin of Mentats to her. "How's my humble little town treatin' ya, Sister?"

Evelyn bit her lip, eyeing the drugs; she didn't take them often, because she knew very well the side effects of addiction, but his offer was sorely tempting. Finally she reached out for it; as she did, Hancock's thumb deftly flipped the lid open to give her easier access.

Grape. The flavor exploded on her tongue and she could feel the effects of the drugs almost immediately. Her shoulders relaxed, her body shuddered with relief, and tension drained from her face. "It's, uh, good."

What the fuck was going on? Why did she keep tripping over her words like this? Why couldn't she think of what to say?

His lips quirked briefly. "What's on your mind?"

She cleared her throat, feeling her face flush with embarrassment. "Actually — I was… looking for work."

Hancock flipped the tin closed and set it down gingerly on the table behind him. His head cocked slightly and he peered at her for a moment. "Work, huh? … Hmmm."

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably as the silence drew on. The mayor hadn't moved his coal-black eyes from her, not once, and she squirmed under his gaze. Why was he looking at her like that? And why did it make her stomach grow so tight?

"I'll tell you what. I got reconnaissance needs," he finally said. Evelyn felt her stomach unclenching slightly as she hung on the mission details, desperate for anything to break her from this dizzying feeling. "Lotta weird talk comin' in about a place called Pickman Gallery. It's raider territory up there, but they've been… quiet. Like uncomfortable post-coitus quiet."

Evelyn snorted. "If post-coitus is that uncomfortable, you're probably screwing the wrong people."

There it was. Her mojo. Encouraged by the sudden return of her witticism, she gave him a smirk. Hancock chuckled, matching her smirk with one of his own. "You got any suggestions, then?"

Me. That should have been her facetious comeback. Instead, she found herself squirming again. Goddamnit. "S-So, Pickman Gallery, huh?"

Hancock's transition back to business was smooth and immediate. His gaze was wry as he leaned off of the table. "Snoop the place out, find out what the hell's going on. And I don't mean just have a little look-see. I want details. Got it?"

Thankful to be back on track, Evelyn nodded. "Scope Pickman Gallery. Got it." As she turned to leave, a thought occurred to her and she turned back briefly. "How much money we talkin'?"

Hancock was grinning like a Cheshire. "A job like this normally pays 200 caps… but I like you. So I'll bump it up to 250. Sound good, Sister?"

Evelyn flushed again. She could only manage a squirrelly nod before she made her way out of the building, desperate for fresh air.

That job had been rather… interesting. Turned out the gallery was home to a serial killer — one she'd had to kill before she became the next victim. She'd been lucky to have Nick with her on that mission because he'd saved her ass more than once.

Her exchange with Hancock after she'd given him the info she'd learned had been short and she wanted to keep it that way — the ghoul mayor of Goodneighbor had somehow gotten under her skin, and she didn't like feeling so… vulnerable. But even as she'd left the Old State House in a hurry, his words had bounced around in her head: "Hirin' you was definitely one of my better moments. Spend the caps in good health, Sister."

As embarrassing as that encounter had been, it hadn't been nearly as mortifying as their meeting in the bar the next evening… Dear God, just thinking about it sent a thrill up her spine, excitement mixed with anxiety and absolute embarrassment… after that night she hadn't had the guts to speak to the ghoul again. She'd found her job with Bobbi and avoided the Old State House at all costs. Evelyn had wanted to leave Goodneighbor permanently, but Bobbi had promised an ass-load of caps and supplies. Nothing could compare to that, and that was perhaps the only thing that could get the ravenette to set food back in Goodneighbor. But as she approached the noodle stand in the market district of Diamond City, Evelyn couldn't help but wonder what she'd gotten herself into.

"Super Mutants are gettin' too friendly. I say we round up a few of our gunners and go thin 'em out."

Fahrenheit flicked her cigarette ashes irritably. "And lose half of the gunners with nothin' to show for it? No, that won't work. There's no point in seeking them out."

Hancock turned toward the ginger, Jet in his hand. He gave her a sour look. "So, what? We just turtle down? That's not my style, Fahr."

Fahrenheit leaned off the wall, eyes narrowing. "You know the only thing that isn't John Hancock's style? Losing. When Super Mutants aren't defending their homes, morale and focus are low. We castle up, wait for them to come to us, and…"

"... pick 'em off one by one," Hancock finished, a slow grin curling his lips as he warmed to the idea. "I like it."

Fahrenheit's expression softened just a bit, but she still took an annoyed drag of her cigarette. "That woman's been in your head. You've been distracted."

Hancock hesitated, feeling his chest tighten. He knew exactly what the ginger was talking about, but maybe if he played dumb she'd leave well enough alone. "What woman?"

Fahrenheit gave him a flat look, flicking her cigarette ashes again like a horse flicking its tail in annoyance. "The one you danced with at the Rail? You don't have to admit it, but it's written all over your face. You like her." She arched a brow. "And by the way, playing dumb doesn't suit you."

The ghoul's eyes narrowed on his bodyguard and he turned away, slipping into one of the chairs in his makeshift office. "Nah. I've just been stressed out with all this extra mayor crap. I don't feel like myself anymore." He took a hit of the Jet and shuddered, closing his eyes briefly. Hancock rode his high for a few moments before one eye cracked open. "Besides… she ain't my type. I'm into blondes."

Mel, the other person Bobbi hired for the dig, had been exactly right in all his doubts, and Evelyn should've listened to him. She never should have done this. She shouldn't have gotten involved with a shady character. She should have waited for honest work, like Nick said.

Bobbi had told them at the noodle stand that this was a Diamond City strongroom and that Mayor McDonough was its owner; someone Evelyn was more than happy to steal from. She was even more fired up for the job, knowing that that asshat was going to be funding her journey in search of her son, especially after refusing to help her find him.

But she was wrong, and Bobbi had lied.

This was confirmed as Evelyn stared into the face of the ginger-haired raider woman who served as Mayor Hancock's personal bodyguard. "Bobbi, what are you doing here…? You didn't think Hancock would catch wind of your scheme?"

Bobbi sighed. "Well, shit."

Evelyn didn't have to ask questions to know she and Mel had been lied to. "Un… fucking… believable," the ravenette muttered, stowing away her shotgun. She knew this wasn't a fight she wanted to attempt. Talking her way out of this was the best option.

Evelyn thought she'd be stealing from a bigot like McDonough, and that thought alone was enough to keep her doing this shady shit for Bobbi. But Hancock…

That dance came rushing back to the forefront of her mind; the smell of his clothes, the look in his eyes, the heat of his skin...

The bodyguard tilted her head slightly, staring down at them from her perch in the rafters. The minigun she carried glinted dangerously in the floodlights. "I guess you two were in the dark about this," she surmised, looking between Evelyn and Mel.

"She told us it was a Diamond City strongroom," Evelyn explained, feeling frustrated. Angry gray eyes landed on Bobbi. "Why the hell did you lie to us?"

"Why do you think?" Bobbi tightened her grip on her submachine gun, looking annoyed. "I knew no one in their right mind would help me rip off Hancock. Everyone is so damn afraid of him or so damn in love with him."

Evelyn stiffened up. How many admirers did the mayor have? Ten? Twenty? The thought made her stomach tighten uncomfortably. But this was a serious matter and she couldn't let her thoughts wander. Bobbi continued before Evelyn had a chance to speak, however. "Listen. I know I wasn't exactly honest, but there are still a ton of caps on the line. The three of us could easily take her out and split the profits."

"Counter-offer," the ginger woman interrupted. "You all walk right out of here and pretend this never happened. Bonus; you get to keep your lives."

Evelyn looked between Bobbi and the raider woman, her lip curled in anger. "Why Hancock?" she demanded.

Bobbi's voice was snotty. From the way she was shaking, Evelyn could see this was personal for the ghoulette. "He thinks he's invincible," Bobbi growled. "I wanted to show him he wasn't."

Evelyn pursed her lips, running a hand through her hair. She needed the caps. She needed them. But… for some reason, she couldn't seem to make her hands move to pull out her gun. "Bobbi… it's over. If we leave now, we get to keep our lives. You know we're outmatched here. What did you expect?"

"I thought you were more strong-willed than this," the ghoulette hissed, before relenting and resentfully stowing her submachine gun away. She may have had a vendetta, she may have been certifiably crazy, but she wasn't stupid. "Fine. I give. Let's get out of here."

Mel breathed a sigh of relief, holstering his pistol and heading back the way they'd come. "Thank God. I don't know why I trusted you again, Bobbi… but this is it for me. I'm done."

"You'll get over it," Bobbi replied carelessly as she headed down into the tunnels once more, right behind Mel. Evelyn, for some reason, was rooted to the spot. She couldn't seem to make her feet move; they felt like lead.

The raider woman set down her minigun and made her way down to ground level, eyeing Evelyn with an analytical gaze. "You made the right choice."

Evelyn finally tore her gaze away from the wall and made eye contact with the other woman. "I— … I needed those caps, I… I don't know why I turned them down." Why? Why? Why?

Why did she refuse to help Bobbi? Shaun was out there somewhere, lost, and his own mother wasn't strong enough to — … Evelyn swallowed down the bile rising in the back of her throat and choked out, "I-I'm sorry to have caused any trouble."

The woman arched a brow. "The boss'll understand. You didn't know what you were doing." A pause. "I'm Fahrenheit."

"E-Evelyn."

"Hancock will be pleased to know which side you chose," Fahrenheit continued. "You should go pay your respects in person."

Evelyn finally seemed to be able to pick up her feet; she shuffled uncomfortably, furrowing her brows at the taller woman. "In person? What do I do, say 'Sorry for attempting to rob you mister mayor, hope you forgive me?'"

Fahrenheit's eyes narrowed only slightly. "He'll understand. It's best to stay on his good side; trust me." As she turned away, she glanced back as if her next comment was merely an afterthought: "besides, he likes you. He won't admit it, but he's been wondering when he'll see you again."