Chapter Fifteen: Smoke and Mirrors
"There's only one more place we haven't checked five times already." Nora frowned, pausing to lean against the statue plinth and catch her breath.
"Which would be…?"
She raised her finger, pointing to the top of the white tower.
"Of course." Danse sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Only one of us needs to go up there. I don't mind doing it. Might take me a while to get up and down, but-"
"Don't be ridiculous." Danse snapped, fixing her in a dark glare. "You need to go and rest that leg. Make yourself useful and order our dinner at the bar. I'll join you shortly."
Before she could say anything, he had already set off towards the narrow doorway leading to the stairwell. She heaved her shoulders in a sigh before setting off towards the bar. There was no need to antagonise him further by ignoring him again.
The pastel shades of dusk were painting the sky in shades of pink and purple, the canopy of lights overhead flickering into life. As she passed by the brahmin corrals, she caught sight the broken fence and cringed, recalling Kay and Kessler's furious rant at Danse on how he should keep his soldiers in check.
Had it not been for her talking the women down and promising them future favours, she was quite certain they would have been kicked out on their asses, Burke or no Burke.
The Glowing Sea's going to be a cakewalk after this. Pretty sure deathclaws and irradiated beasts are less annoying than a vanishing Squire.
The bar area was relatively quiet. She could see Lucas Miller lounging at a table with his guards, gambling caps on a card game. Only three Gunners were present, including the rusty haired man who had caught her. His piercing blue stare locked onto her over the neck of his bottle as he took a swig, his free hand reaching down to brush over the sleek flank of the dog lying under the table, crunching on a large brahmin bone.
Nora turned away towards the bar where Joe Savoldi was already waiting for her, his large hands resting on the countertop.
"Any luck finding the kid?" He asked, straightening up and wiping his fingers down the front of his shirt.
"No. It looks like we might have to head outside to look for him tomorrow if he doesn't turn up soon." She sighed, easing herself up onto a barstool.
"Sheesh. Not havin' the best time of it, are ya? The barman in me wants to say 'now's the time for liquid courage and drownin' your sorrows'. But the father in me says you need to stay stone cold sober to keep lookin'. Who knows what kinds of trouble he's gotten into this time."
"Well, no need to worry on that front. I'm just here to order food." Nora's smile was strained, her fingers drumming on the countertop.
"Brahmin an' tatos sound good to you? Coz that's all we got right now."
"Sounds good."
As Joe turned towards the storeroom, she felt something poke her bare neck.
Startled, she whipped around to find a pair of sunglasses level with her eyes.
"Deacon?! What the hell?!" She hissed, glaring at him. "Where have you been? Where's Burke?!"
"Shhh keep it down! You're making people stare!" Deacon chided, glancing around them nervously. "Burke's fine, he's with me, but this is a conversation we need to have, right now and in private."
Wordlessly, Nora slipped down from the stool, casting her eyes about to observe the other patrons. Nobody seemed to be paying them any attention, not even the Gunner who had been watching her. Instead, he seemed to be busy enjoying a smoke and conversation with his fellow mercs.
She hurried to follow Deacon as he led the way past the stairs and down along the side of the building.
She spotted Burke almost as soon as she rounded the corner. The boy was sat upon a crate further along the narrow space, kicking his heels against the wood. When his eyes met hers, he quickly averted his gaze, face blanching.
"Before you say anything Charmer, it was my idea to hide the kid."
She turned to face Deacon, her eyes narrowed, but the agent only folded his arms and leaned back against the metal sheets forming the perimeter wall.
"Why? We'd only just gotten him back - it wasn't fair of you to just take him like that!"
"Why?" Deacon's brow furrowed. "I thought we agreed the longer he spends away from the Prydwen, the better! If the kid was to stand trial before that maniac Maxson and his officers now, he'd snap like a twig and spill all our secrets!"
"Why didn't you tell me?!" She fumed, clenching her hands into fists. "Why didn't you just bring him out after the vertibird took off?!"
"It just didn't seem like a good idea." Deacon shrugged. "For all I know, Danse could have somehow signalled them back, or decided to march straight to the airport. Plus, he seemed pretty pissed and I kinda like having a face. Considering what Grumpy did to that Gunner, I don't even want to think of the damage Danse could do to me. Yowza!"
Scowling and shaking her head, Nora moved towards Burke who shrank back on the crate.
"Are you alright?" She asked, her voice weary.
"Yeah." He mumbled, focusing on the patch of dirt next to her boots as he began to spin the charm bracelet around his wrist.
"Geez, I'm not Strong, Charmer! Have a little faith!" Deacon sighed, rolling his eyes. "He was even able to take a nap under my watch!"
"That's great and all, Deacs, but what do we do now? What're we going to tell Danse?!"
"I thought I'd leave the sweet-talking to you. Considering how your codename's Charmer and all. Besides, you've got that 'blossoming romance' going for you." He enunciated the words with his fingers, his smile slightly scathing.
Nora whipped around, scowling furiously.
"Don't go there, Deacon!" She warned, raising a threatening finger.
"Why not? It's pretty romantic! You should have a whole copy of Live & Love dedicated to you! 'The Minutemen General, who is also a spy for the enigmatic Railroad, falls into the steel clad arms of the enemy! A dashing Brotherhood Paladin! But will the paths of these two star crossed lovers diverge? Will he discover her treachery? Or…' Will she betray those who have put their faith in her?"
The cheesy voice faded back into his own, and she could feel the weight of his stare from behind his shades.
"All of the romance stories I've read that start like that, end in tragedy and heartbreak. Maybe you should bear that in mind." He said quietly, his voice breaking the tense silence that had fallen between them.
"You… You are such a fucking prick!" Nora hissed, her nails biting into her palms as she stalked back towards him, ignoring Burke's small gasp and wide eyed stare.
"I'm just being the realist here, Charmer." Deacon said sardonically. "Look. We don't really have the time to argue here. We need to consider our next move. Stockton's getting cranky about the fact we're still around, and if we don't leave soon, chances are he'll decide to take action."
"Chances are we'll be departing for the airport at first light." Nora's voice was quiet and she looked over Deacon's shoulder rather than directly at him.
"Oh come on. I didn't spend all day sneaking around to have him go back tomorrow! Think bigger!" Deacon frowned, "there's gotta be some way you can convince him to go someplace else… What about Diamond City? That's nearby and always full of distractions."
"…I'll see what I can do." Sighing, Nora reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose. "What are you going to do with Burke in the meantime? Just show up while we're eating, or what?"
"I'm just going to run through the cover story with him a few more times. When it's perfect-o, we'll come find you. But first, I'd better fill you in on our side of the story.
"I told Danse that the raiders kidnapped Burke and hauled him out through the back. I was too scared to actually do anything, so I just followed. When I found out where they'd taken him, I sprinted straight back through the ruins, outran a deathclaw and arrived back at the Hill to tell you all about it.
"Then we went and pulled off a daring rescue, in which -"
"I get the picture." Nora said brusquely, folding her arms. "You'd better bring him back by tonight, Deacs."
He smiled back at her thinly. "Sure."
She glanced back towards Burke. "Stay out of trouble, Squire. You're in enough as it is."
The boy merely ducked his head in response.
Without another word she stalked around the corner, heading back towards the bar. As she moved, she frowned slightly, almost certain that she could smell tobacco smoke in the air.
Danse was eating mechanically, his dark eyes distant. He made no effort to speak and neither did Nora. His posture was tense, and the brooding silence reminded her of their days in the Cambridge Police Station, always alert for attack, always fearing that another of their squad might never return from a simple supply run.
God knew it had almost happened to her several times.
Gloomily, she prodded at the remainder of her food. It was tough and tasteless, the meat a little too pink and the tato mash closer to tato puree. Not that it mattered much. Had Joe whipped up a five star feast, whatever that was in the Commonwealth, she would have struggled to eat it.
Her throat felt tight and her stomach was tying itself into anxious knots.
I wish I could tell him that Burke was safe. It's not fair keeping him in the dark like this.
Her thoughts were interrupted by something warm and heavy dropping onto her lap. Startled, she glanced down to find that the dog from the Gunners' table was resting its head on her lap, sniffing the air and wagging its tail.
"What? You enjoy the Savoldi's cooking?" Nora smiled wearily, reaching down to pat the dog's head. The animal chuffed in response, sitting down and proffering a paw. Amused, Nora shook it before plucking the remainder of the brahmin from her plate and holding it out the dog.
"You should be eating that, soldier."
She glanced up to see that Danse was frowning at her, his lips pursed.
"I don't feel like I can eat anymore." She turned back to the dog, smiling faintly when it carefully lapped up the meat from her palm. Then it threw itself down at her feet to eat it. "Besides, I'm missing Dogmeat. It's kind of nice seeing a friendly canine about."
"That dog is with the enemy." Danse grunted in response, letting the tarnished fork clatter from his hand and onto his empty plate. "It's also the one that ran off with the grenade."
"No kidding?" Nora reached down to run her hand through the sleek brindle coat. The burns on her back flared up in protest, but she ground her teeth and ignored the pain, focusing instead upon the dog. Anywhere but Danse.
The dog's coat was soft under her fingers, though she noted an area where the fur had been singed away, the exposed skin still angry and inflamed. Other than that, the dog was the picture of health. She couldn't help but note the fact that the animal was better fed than some of the poorer people in Diamond City.
Diamond City.
Internally she sighed, watching as the dog licked its muzzle and began to sniff about her feet, undoubtedly searching for any stray pieces it had missed.
"So, I've been thinking. What's the plan for when we find the Squire?" She asked, sitting upright and folding her arms.
"That we escort him back to the Prydwen as soon as possible." He answered without hesitation.
"Well… I've been thinking about that." Nora began, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I was thinking that maybe we should detour to Diamond City first."
"Nora…"
"Hear me out!" She insisted, leaning forwards. "When the Minutemen came to my aid, they weren't able to kill all of the mutants. Some fled back towards County Crossing, and we heard more of them this morning as we made our way back to Bunker Hill.
"So far, it feels like we've made it by the skin of our teeth and I don't know if we'd be so lucky travelling back that way on foot."
"So what do you suggest?" Danse frowned, folding his arms.
"Like I said, we stop off first in Diamond City. I don't have the caps to stay here much longer, and your supply is dwindling, too. There should be less mutants in that direction and we can restock once we're there. Plus, I want to see if Doctor Sun can do anything about my back and leg."
When he still looked unconvinced, she decided to pull her trump card.
"I also have a vertibird grenade stashed in my house there. I tend to leave one in each of my main foxholes, just in case."
The dog sat up and began to nudge at her arm with its cold, wet nose. Nora was glad of an excuse to break eye contact, reaching down to fondle the dog's soft ears. They had floppy tips that were all the more endearing.
"We have to find Burke before we make our plans." Danse finally stated, his chair scraping the ground as he pushed it back and rose to his feet. "I'm going to keep searching for a while. You should get some rest."
She watched him leave, absently fussing the dog.
"Somehow, I think you're the one who needs to rest." She murmured, her thoughts escaping her lips.
"He definitely looks like he could use some." A voice murmured in her ear.
She jumped, turning to find the rusty haired Gunner standing behind her. As she watched, he loped around the table and casually lowered himself into Danse's vacated seat, an unlit cigarette poking from between his lips.
"Can I help you?" Nora frowned, trying to regain her composure.
"Just here to talk." He commented, retrieving his gold plated flip lighter and igniting the end of his smoke.
"Is this about the fight that took place earlier? If so, you should really speak to the Paladin about it."
"No, I'm not here for that. Beau had it coming. He might have to change his name now though, unless he gets some facial reconstruction done." His lips curved up into a crooked smile that was more of a leer.
Nora raised an eyebrow, but didn't speak.
"So, how come your fellow soldiers left, but you two remained?" He asked, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"They had their orders." She shrugged, trying to suppress the urge to shiver under his gaze. She suddenly wanted to draw her flight suit back up and over her shoulders, regardless of the burns. His eyes were colder than the evening air and she was all too conscious of them scrutinising her.
"Did you fall down more stairs, or something?" He drawled, nodding at the bandages.
"I just had a disagreement with a few raiders. They look much worse than I do." She smiled thinly, folding her arms across her chest.
"Mmmmm. I'll bet." He reclined in his seat, tilting his head back and expelling a perfect smoke ring from his lips. "Wouldn't expect anything less from someone so important."
He blew another smaller ring, which sailed effortlessly through the first. But Nora didn't notice the smoke rings. Instead, she was focused upon the Gunner, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Important? I'm just a Knight in the Brotherhood."
"You're just a Knight in the Brotherhood as much as I'm just a mercenary. We both know we're not being entirely truthful when we say that." His piercing gaze left the smoke rings to meet hers. "Your comrades know me well enough, but we haven't introduced ourselves to each other yet, have we?"
"No. We haven't." Nora replied coolly, making no effort to offer her name.
The dog chuffed before rising, trotting to the man's side and sitting next to him, tapping his leg with a paw. The Gunner scratched its chin affectionately, his smile becoming more natural.
Then he glanced back towards Nora and the cold, predatory look returned.
"Then we should. Sergeant Sparkes of the Gunners, specifically the Gunners from around Quincy." He tapped the brim of his hat, his eyes studying her intently.
"Does that mean you took part in the massacre?" She asked frostily, her nails biting into her bare arms as she glared at him.
"I didn't actively fire at the civilians, no. Left that to Tess, Baker and that turncoat Clint. But that's not an introduction, is it?"
"Knight Hart. Brotherhood of Steel." She replied brusquely.
He blew another smoke ring, this time towards her and she wafted it away with her hand, grimacing as it became a haze.
"That the only title you got, sweetheart?"
"I didn't introduce myself as sweetheart, did I?" At her cool words, Sparkes chuckled and Nora decided that she'd had enough. As she rose, he mirrored her, removing the cigarette from his lips.
"Gotta admit, you've disappointed me, Knight Hart. I was hoping for a more… charming conversation with you."
Nora felt like a ball of ice had formed in her stomach.
Sparkes smirked, tapping the brim of his hat before striding away towards his table, the dog trotting at his heels.
I'm hearing things. Nora thought faintly, watching as he casually sank back into his chair. He cocked his head slightly, his eyes catching hers again and she scowled, striding away from the table, trying to ignore the way the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end.
Danse was tired.
He moved robotically up the last of the tower's stairs, trying to ignore the red flashes of pain that were accompanying his headache, as well as the hollowness that seemed to consume him from the inside. Both were sensations he had come to know well during his time within the Commonwealth.
When he finally reached the landing, he moved towards the gaping hole in the wall, leaning against the exposed bricks. Night now sailed overhead, the cold stars shining in the dark. The moon seemed particularly distant, haloed in soft light. He couldn't help but think that it had a lonely, desolate look to it.
Sighing, he seated himself on the bricks, casting his gaze down over the settlement below. Kessler was on guard duty at the gates and people were still milling about, attending to their business. He wondered idly whether it would remain so busy if a mutant horde did close in. Whether the Hill would be able to outlast mutants any better than the raiders, who had once reduced the settlement to a bloody ruin.
Still, that would be less likely to happen now that Haylen and Rhys had left for the Prydwen. Due to Nora's strong ties with the Minutemen, the Brotherhood had plenty of basic rations and supplies, but they were still reliant upon traders and merchants to bring in what the recon teams couldn't - salvage, such as rare crafting materials and ammo.
It would certainly be beneficial for the Brotherhood to establish ties here, he thought as he regarded the settlement absent-mindedly. Provided Rhys and Burke haven't already burned that bridge…
He sighed heavily, reaching up to massage his temples in a futile attempt to alleviate the ever-growing headache.
Although, he mused with a small smile, should the Hill require defending in the future, some well-placed air support would definitely put the Brotherhood in the merchant's good graces.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a shuddering breath behind him.
He turned to discover that he was no longer alone. A small figure was stood, swaying unsteadily on the top step. In seconds, Danse had sprung to the boy's side, his hands on Burke's shoulders as he propelled him away from the stairwell towards the patio chair set beside the table.
Burke was pale, his breathing unsteady and green eyes wide as they darted between his face and the floor.
All of the words he had planned to say upon discovering the errant Squire died in his throat. He was frightened. As the boy sank down, his fingers began to twist the charm bracelet, winding the silver chain tight so that it bit into his skin. His breaths were fast and shallow and he knew that it was due to more than the exertion of climbing the stairs.
At what point did I become something for him to fear? He wondered, feeling a sudden pang of sadness.
His head pounding and heart heavy, Danse lowered himself to the floor and sat down. For a time they sat in silence, listening to the clamour of the settlement below. Gradually, the pain in his head began to ease and he heard Burke's breathing slow.
"…Aren't… Aren't you mad at me?" Burke's voice was quiet and when he glanced up towards him, the boy seemed to shrink further back into the chair.
I'm supposed to inspire confidence and trust in him. Not fear.
He felt ashamed, turning away to gaze out at the night sky through the hole in the wall.
He's a child, not a soldier, so treat him like one.
Finally, he shook his head and when he turned back to regard Burke, it was to find the boy was watching him cautiously, worrying one of the charms between his fingers.
"No. I'm not angry with you, Burke."
Burke looked sceptical, but he didn't press the matter, instead returning his attention to fidgeting. Danse watched him for a while before reaching up and unzipping the collar of his flight suit, fishing for the chain that held his holotags… and Cutler's.
He slipped the chain from around his neck so that the four tags were resting on his palm. The holographic image of his own face peered up at him from one of the tags, and from another the face of an old friend.
He studied Cutler's easy smile, the eyes that seemed to sparkle with good humour and vitality, even from the flickering hologram. It was impossible to rectify the cheeky, handsome face of his friend with that of the snarling, tortured monster he had become…
"Do paladins get two sets of holotags?"
He glanced up to find that Burke was watching him again, having momentarily paused in toying with his bracelet.
Danse's mouth felt dry and he sensed that words would fail him. So he just shook his head in response. Burke nodded as though he understood, his hand reaching up to grasp something under his shirt.
Then the boy leaned forwards, scrutinising the tags in his hand.
"His name's Cutler. Jacob Cutler." Danse said quietly, raising his hand to allow Burke a clearer view.
"Did he used to work under you? Like Nora?"
At Burke's question, a melancholy smile touched Danse's lips.
"No. We joined the Brotherhood together and we'd known each other for a while before that…" He sighed sadly. "We always did joke about one of us being put in charge of the other."
For a few more moments, Danse regarded the holotags before he closed his hand in a fist about them, turning his gaze back towards the hole in the wall, peering up at the stars as he tried to suppress the anguish building in his chest.
He heard Burke stir in his chair and the gentle clink of metal. When he turned to look, Burke was holding a set of holotags in his hand, tracing over the serial numbers with his thumb whilst his eyes fixed upon the holographic portrait.
He swallowed, before holding them out for Danse to see.
Danse took the tags carefully from Burke's hand, regarding them curiously. The tag that held the serial numbers was dull, the indentations rubbed down by Burke's fingers, though he could still make out the initials and numbers.
BE-504FS.
A field scribe.
He turned his attention to the hologram and found himself looking upon a woman. Her face was slightly rounded, freckles dusting her cheeks beneath warm, intelligent eyes that reminded him of the Squire.
In his peripheral vision he could see Burke watching him anxiously, as though afraid he might drop them.
"Is she your mother?" Danse asked quietly, handing them back.
"She was." In seconds, Burke had slipped the chain back about his neck and hidden the tags from sight beneath his shirt.
Danse did the same, zipping his flight suit closed.
"How did your friend…?" Burke's words petered out, his eyes darting nervously between Danse's face and his boots.
"Mutants." Danse rose to his feet and dusted himself off.
"Do you miss him?"
Danse tried to answer, but his throat caught and he had to swallow.
"Every day." His voice sounded quiet and raw, even to his own ears.
"… Did he die because of the Brotherhood?" Burke asked dully, fixing his eyes on his bracelet once more.
"What do you mean?" Danse frowned, watching Burke carefully. All emotion seemed to have drained from the boy's face and he was unusually still.
"Mom died because the Brotherhood sent her out to find some tech." Burke's hands balled into fists, but his expression remained impassive. "They sent her straight into a hive. They sent her to die… For nothing."
Danse moved to crouch beside the chair, trying to catch Burke's glazed eyes with his own. "Burke. Look at me, son." When the glassy green eyes rose to his, Danse could see the raw pain behind them. He took a deep breath.
"Your mother did not die in vain. She fought for a noble cause, to help the Brotherhood create a better world, a safer world, for you and your descendants."
"But she didn't." Burke mumbled tonelessly. "She died and there are still mutants and monsters…"
"Her sacrifice mattered, Burke. The same way Cutler's sacrifice mattered. Every sacrifice made by our fallen brothers and sisters matters." Danse's voice became stronger, more sure of himself. "Each one of them has left their mark upon the world, and contributed to a better future."
"But you can't see the future." Burke said quietly, his eyes searching Danse's. "It could all have been for nothing." His voice cracked and he turned away, lips beginning to tremble.
"So long as we keep fighting, Burke, there is hope for that future and we will keep pushing towards it. The Brotherhood will never fall and defeat is unacceptable." Danse said firmly, gazing at him steadily. "We will achieve that future one day, Burke, and thanks to Elder Maxson, we're closer to it than ever before."
Burke sniffed, frowning as he mulled over Danse's words.
"Burke, in eradicating the synth, mutant and ghoul abominations, we honour our brothers and sisters, both living and fallen." Danse continued gently. "They each died for us, so that we might fight on in the Brotherhood's name. In their names. For they are, and will forever remain, part of the Brotherhood."
Danse rose to his feet, watching as emotions gradually began to cloud Burke's face.
"…I've let her down, haven't I?" The boy finally whispered, his voice so quiet Danse had to strain to hear it. "I've let her down, like I've let you and Nora down…"
Danse placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, prompting him to glance up and meet his gaze once more.
"Everyone makes mistakes." He said gently. "Provided that you learn from yours, and so long as your regret is sincere, you will make her and the Brotherhood proud.
"Now, what's say you and I go put Nora's mind at ease? She's been worried about you."
Burke frowned as he rose from his seat. He looked as though he wanted to say something, but at the last moment he seemed to think better of it and moved towards the stairs.
Well, I feel like we've made some progress in understanding each other either way. Danse thought, mentally shrugging his shoulders as he followed Burke down.
As they neared the bottom of the winding staircase, they began to hear voices echoing up towards them. At the next bend, Burke halted abruptly and Danse almost walked straight into him.
Nora was sitting on the third step down, her back towards them, speaking to Deacon who was leaning against the wall in front of her. His sunglasses flashed in the lamplight as he raised his head to look at them.
"See? What'd I tell you? He's safe and sound."
At Deacon's words, Nora turned to face them, a relieved smile breaking across her face. "Burke, are you alright?" She asked, bracing her hand against the wall as she eased herself up with a groan.
Burke's frown deepened considerably as he nodded, beginning to pull at the charm bracelet again.
"I thought you were supposed to be resting?" Danse sighed, exasperated as he took in her weary face and the way she was beginning to shiver in the night air.
"I couldn't rest knowing you two were still out there… and you, Deacs," she added, rolling her eyes when the man let out a theatrical gasp of hurt. "Besides… I can't relax here."
Danse frowned as a troubled expression crossed her face.
"What's wrong?"
"Let's just say some trouble is brewing in the Hill and we might want to leave before we become embroiled in it." Deacon said with a mirthless smile.
"What kinds of trouble?" Danse pressed, his face pulling into a scowl as he stepped past Burke.
"Just… some people in the bar area." Nora said quietly, meeting his gaze as she folded her arms under her chest. "They seemed to take issue with my uniform and left me with the impression that they were going to come back with friends."
Danse's face darkened. "Who were they?" He asked, his voice dangerously quiet.
"I don't know. But I don't really want to stick around and find out." She replied, looking uncomfortable.
"Nora was saying that you were considering heading off to Diamond City?" Deacon asked, tilting his head. "It might not be such a bad idea for you guys to head off sooner rather than later. The Hill's security is kind of terrible and no offence Boss, but you're not exactly in fighting condition."
Nora huffed in response, but didn't argue.
Danse pursed his lips, his brows drawing together as he considered their words.
"Will you be up to travelling in your power armour?" He finally asked, studying Nora intently.
She snorted in response. "You have to ask? It's easier to travel in power armour, if a little slower."
"Then we'll set off for Diamond City before daybreak, provided you're in a suitable condition."
Nora nodded and he turned to face Burke. "What about you, son? Will you be up for the journey?"
A look of determination crossed the Squire's face. "Yes, sir."
Danse nodded. "Then it's settled. Let's return to the room and make sure we're ready to depart come morning."
The stars were still shining high above when the four of them arrived at the gates. Nora and Danse were dressed in full power armour, whilst Deacon had changed disguises again, now dressed as a guard from Diamond City, his favourite pompadour wig shielding his bald head from the cold.
Burke was somewhat bewildered by the change in him, stealing puzzled glances at the short man whenever he thought he might not be looking.
Only Kessler and Stockton were up, the old man flanked by a tall, broad blonde woman who glowered at Burke with poorly veiled hostility. Burke hid behind the towering forms of his guardians, relieved that the power armour made such good cover.
"I'll be sending word to the Castle about what I'm expecting in return for the Hill's… tolerance of your fellow's poor behaviour." Kessler said coolly as she eased open one of the gates.
"I'll be sure to make it a priority upon my return there." Nora responded, her voice distorted by her helmet's filters. "Thank you for your patience."
"Let's get moving." Danse grunted, striding past Kessler and Stockton through the gate, Burke fast on his heels. Nora bade them farewell one final time before following them out, Deacon striding casually alongside her.
It was only when they had turned a corner at the end of the road that Deacon released a small sigh.
"You felt that too, didn't you?" He asked in a quiet voice, watching the boy and Paladin tramping ahead of them.
"Felt what?"
"We were being watched by unfriendly eyes."
He honed in on their fusion cores for a moment. The glowing red spots made for tempting bullseyes and he knew he could hit them both in a matter of seconds. It would be effortless for him and amusing to watch, to see if they could scramble from their armour quickly enough to evade the explosions. To see if they could shield the boy in time.
He smiled wolfishly to himself before shifting his focus, marking first the boy, then the Diamond City guard who was now accompanying them.
Strange that I never noticed him around before…
As they disappeared around the corner of the street, Sparkes lowered his sniper rifle, slinging it back over his shoulder before patting down his jacket. In seconds, he had a cigarette smouldering at his lips and took a deep drag.
He leaned against the broken wall, reaching down to absently pat Luck who was now on her hind legs, front paws resting on the exposed bricks as she raised her nose to the winds.
"I'll be seeing you again real soon, Charmer." He murmured to himself, watching as the wind swept the smoke away. "That's a promise…"
A/N: Sorry this is up later than I said. A lot happened over the weekend and when I finally got down to writing it... It evolved, the way all chapters usually do! So I hope this one was worth the wait! Thank you very much for taking the time to read and sticking with the story so far! =D University is officially over so I'll be back to updating weekly! Thank you all very much for your support/reviews and favs they are hugely appreciated! I hope you all continue to enjoy the story! 8D
Guest 1: Thank you so much for your review it really made my day!
Guest 2: Dogs make everything better! =D