*So...it's been a mad long time since I added to this, I had several ideas on where I wanted to go with this storyline but so far I haven't hitched on any of them. Plus I had to take time to focus on my schooling and make sure I passed this semester. Finals are finally over- so I can now take some time to update. I'm playing around with the characters a but- but so far I like this chapter. Apologies in advance if this is messy- but Please leave a comment with how you feel about the characters and the storyline. Maybe some ideas on where I should go with this. And here we go.

Her back was sufficiently healed, her body completely rested, and she was about one more day away from crawling out of her skin from boredom. It wasn't quite morning- the air was cold as she stepped off the vault elevator. Margot crept silently down the hill and through the dark streets. She slowed her pace as she passed Preston's house- no light shone through the Windows, he wasn't up yet. She adjusted her pack on her shoulders and pressed on.

Hancock lay comfortably n the cot in the corner of the room. The blanket pulled up over his shoulders to shut out the slight chill. As he rested- he heard a slight creak of the floorboards somewhere outside his room. He held his breath a moment, listening hard; then exhaled and smiled into his pillow as he recognised the soft sounds her feet made coming down the hall. He kept his eyes closed as she creaked open the door and slid into the room.

For a few seconds she just stood there, and he wasn't quite sure what she was doing. Until a sharp poke in his ribs made him grunt and he opened his eyes to glare at her ruefully.

"Quit faking Hancock. I know you heard me." She whispered in the dimly lit room. He chuckled and rolled onto his back, stretching his arms above his head as he did so.

"Tryna get a little extra sleep, that's all. What you waking me up for?" He glanced over by the door and saw her pack lying there. "Sneaking out eh? Not gonna tell yer friend?" She crossed to the other side of the room and flopped down into a chair.

"He'd just worry- it's better this way." She said- half to him, half to the floor. He knew that look. She was going to feel guilty about this- he could tell.

"Not exactly the best way to treat a friend." Hancock grunted at her as he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed. She flashed a warning look his way.

"Don't you start in on me. You know I can't just sit around while my son is out there. I swore I would find him and that's exactly what I intend to do. I just got a transmission from Nick. He's got a lead on finding Shaun. He told me Dr. Amari in Goodneighbor might be able to help us." She stood up from her chair and tossed his shirt at him. "Get dressed-I want to be out of here and on the road before Preston wakes up." Hancock grunted at her from where he sat.

"So you just assume I'm coming with you?" She gave him a disbeleving look. "I mean-I could get used to this place. Soft, comfy bed...free hot meals..."he trailed off, smiling at her. "I might just stick around a while."

"Hmmmm..."she started, "nothing to fight, kill or maim...limited supply of chems..lack of danger...I can see the appeal. If you stay here- you'll be a laid back regular old citizen in no time." Hancock winced dramatically and slipped his shirt over his head.

"Now- we can't let that happen, can we? Besides- you're a rotten fighter. You'll be Deathclaw snacks without me." He tugged his boots in as she smiled over at him.

"That's what I thought. We leave in five."

They crept stealthily though the overgrown backyards towards a spot in the wall Margot knew was unguarded and easy to slip through. It was still pretty dark outside, and they had to move slowly to avoid knocking into anything they couldn't see clearly. They we're just about there- just a few more yards. They reached the wall and pressed their backs against it, scanning the area around them. The world was silent save for the whistle of the wind through the decimated trees around them. Margot turned slowly and edged towards the opening in the wall. That was when Hancock saw a tall figure emerge from the shadows by one off the empty houses and come toward them.

"I knew you would come this way. Guess you're leaving?" Margot froze, her hand still outstretched towards the wall. She turned slowly to face him- he did not look pleased. Preston had both hands clasped behind his back as he spoke. Margot took a deep breath and looked him square in the eyes.

"I got word from Nick. He's found a lead in my son's case. I'm headed out to Goodneighbor now to follow it up. Didn't want to wake you." Preston just looked at her a moment, then his stance softened and he stepped closer.

"General- can I speak to you alone?" He gestured towards the empty house and she sighed inwardly. Margot slipped her pack off her back and tossed it towards Hancock, then Preston followed her through the back door and turned to close it behind them. The kitchen was dark and he lit a lantern on the counter before turning her way.

"So-were you going to tell me? Or just wait for me to find out the old- fashioned way? Again?" His voice sounded angry; and while she initially felt guilty for sneaking out- his tone set her on edge.

"I wasn't aware I needed your permission to leave Preston." She shot coldly at him. He blinked back at her, momentarily lost for words.

"I told you I have to find my son. Nothing is going to stop me. After weeks I finally have a lead- and I'm going to follow it up. End of discussion. You can be mad at me all you want- but you're not keeping me here." Her eyes flashed dangerously as she challenged him to stop her.

"You could have at least told me you were leaving. I wouldn't stop you. You've waited looking enough. And I'm not mad because you are leaving- but sneaking out in the middle of the night is just...why not just tell me?" He entreated. She didn't really have an answer to that.

"I don't know...I didn't want you to worry?" That sounded weak. "I'm not some delicate flower that needs protecting Preston. I can and will do this on my own."

"I never would have stopped you from going Margot. And I know you know how to handle yourself out there. I just want you to trust me. Trust me enough to let me help you. Just talk to me at least." His voice had grown a little softer as he spoke. Soft enough to slowly chip away at some of the anger she felt.

"Preston I-I have to go...ok?" She crossed the small space to stand directly in front of him. He was a good bit taller than her and she found herself looking up into his face.

"You want me to trust you? Then trust me. Trust me to know that I know what I'm doing. Trust me to know what's best for me. And trust me to know that I will be back." She took his hand in hers and held firm. "We shake on it...ok? This means I have to come back now. A deal is solid."

He was quiet as he looked back at her. Her hand felt warm in his and he felt himself giving in. "I trust you."

They both stood there moment, and Margot could almost feel the slight change in the atmosphere between them. Preston took a half- step forward.

"Ok..." she cleared her throat and gently pulled her hand from his. She took a step back and continued. "I'm going. And I'll be back soon. I promise." Preston just nodded and stood aside for her to walk past him and out the door. The sun was slowly rising as they entered the backyard where Hancock was waiting for them.

"Might as well use the front gate now," he quipped, "you know- since the jig is up."

Margot retrieved her pack and they walked together towards the entrance to Sanctuary.

"Have a safe journey General. I hope you find what you are looking for." She gave him a reassuring smile.

"I'll radio once we reach Goodneighbor. Just forward all my correspondence there for now. And thank you Preston." He nodded and signaled to the guards to open the heavy gates. She hitched her pack tightly on her shoulders and strode out quickly, Hancock falling into step beside her. They were quiet as they made their way; and it was some time before either of them spoke.

"So that went well." Hancock began, glancing her way. She stared straight ahead and kept walking.

"I don't want to talk about it." She stated simply. He turned away and nodded.

"Fair enough. But can I make an observation?" He heard her groan slightly.

"Is there any way I can stop you?" He smirked a little at her retort and continued.

"Not a chance sister." He laughed. "But really- you know how he feels about you- don't you?" She didn't say anything for a while. He could tell by the set of her jaw and the way she chewed on her lip that she was having some serious internal debates with herself.

"Yeah...yeah I do. That's why I'm leaving." They walked on in silence, a little less pep in their step than they had earlier in the day.