Based on characters from the Fallout universe, this story does not strictly follow any specific lore. Instead, it is a retelling of some events using established characters and groups. This story begins at Sanctuary Hills, where the Sole Survivor, named Nathan, is still grieving the loss of his son Shaun during the Brotherhood of Steel's attack on the Institute.

Warning: this story does/will include scenes of violence, drug use and explicit sexual themes

Chapter 1

Nathan awoke from a swift kick to his leg from Cait, his quick-tempered, Irish companion who had traveled with him all across the commonwealth on his quest to find his missing son. Nathan opened his eyes to the sun shining brightly through the rafters of what had been the roof of his living room before the bombs fell, and immediately experienced the worst headache he had ever felt. "Wake up, General," Cait sneered, emphasizing Nathan's title, "we-and by we I mean you-are in some serious shite." Nathan pulled himself from the floor and into a standing position where he swayed unsteadily against what remained of his counter-top. "Cait, I'm going to need you to speak more slowly and quietly if you don't mind." Nathan shook his head in an attempt to clear it. "What exactly is the problem and why can't you handle it?" Cait eyed her lover with clear frustration. "The problem general, is the bender you've been on for the past 3 months. The problem, is that yer precious Minutemen are going to select a new general because they are losin' faith in the one they have now."

Nathan's head continued to pound violently, but he forced himself to focus on Cait's words. Yet while he listened, he found they made little sense to him. "On what grounds do they think they can challenge me?" He asked Cait. "I saved Preston and his group from the museum. I led the attack to retake the Castle and I built the trade network that allows all of our settlements to not only thrive, but easily call for aid when they need it. So tell me," he said glaring at Cait. "Why would they turn on me now?" Cait's expression became impassive and she remained silent for a moment before answering in a much softer tone. "No one can deny the things you have accomplished since Preston named you general. The problem is that you were too good at it. Everyone expected bigger and better things from you and for themselves once the Commonwealth knew the Minutemen were back, but then you started going MIA on us, drinkin' yerself into a near coma." Nathan reached for a whiskey from under the bar, but Cait took it from him and continued speaking.

"Look you know how I feel about these damn Minutemen. If I had it me way, it would be just you and I out there, shootin' and fuckin' as often as we wanted. You were there for me and had me back when I really needed ya, even when I was a near useless junkie." At this, Cait's voice quivered slightly as she recalled how it felt the first time she experienced what it felt like to be cared for, but then her face hardened and her voice returned to that of a stern parent. She looked Nate dead in the eyes and pushed on, "And that is how I know that yer approaching a point of no return. From now on, yer sober as a dead raider. I will not allow you to lose everythin' you have worked so hard fer because of somethin' those Brotherhood bastards did. You will show everyone that you are still their fuckin' general, and we will deal with the Brotherhood when you are good and ready." Nathan nodded in agreement, but no words found their way out. Thankfully, Cait didn't have that problem. She pulled him into a tight embrace and kissed him fiercely. When they finally pulled apart she smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Besides darlin," she said, still holding Nate's face in her hands. "If ya keep drinkin' at that rate, yer pecker won't work no more and then I'll have to cut it off and wear it 'round me neck like jewelry."

*

Two weeks had passed since Cait's lecture, and true to his word, Nate remained sober. More than that, after meeting with his council, he retained his position as General. However, there were 2 concessions that he had to make in order to meet the number of votes he needed to retain his position. Number one was that Preston was officially named as his 2nd in command, something that Nathan had no objections with, but number two, in order to ease the concerns of the other officers, Nathan was requested to rotate between Sanctuary and the Castle routinely in order to boost morale to his Minutemen. Nathan had made the concession, expecting Cait to become irate over it, but was pleasantly surprised to see that she took the news in stride. They were both expected at the Castle within the month. Preston had offered to send an armed escort to ensure their safety from Sanctuary to the Castle, but Cait wanted some time alone with Nate and so they agreed to meet an armed escort outside of Diamond city who would then accompany them the rest of the way.

It was the night before the two were to depart the Sanctuary and Nathan had just finished patrolling the perimeter. After being relieved by the night watchmen, Nathan walked towards the medium-sized metal shack he shared with Cait, that they had erected across the street from what used to be Nate's home before the Great War. Two Minutemen stood guard outside of the shack and they nodded respectfully to Nathan as he moved to enter his home. As Nathan entered his bedroom, he could feel the humidity in the room that indicated Cait was taking a hot shower. There was a schedule for hot showers in order to conserve power in the settlement, but Cait had clearly convinced Sturges to allow her this last amenity before their departure in the morning. Whether she had merely been convincing or intimidating was anyone's best guess. Nate placed his rifle in the corner of the room, and placed his sidearm on the nightstand near the bed. He undressed down to his briefs before laying on the bed, the sound of the running water soothed him as he felt his eyes start to close…

"Well it's about damn time." Nate felt himelf jerk awake at the sound of Cait's voice. "I still don't understand why you feel the need to walk the perimeter. We have guards fer a reason darlin'." Nate opened his eyes and saw Cait standing before him wearing a red robe that she had found in an apparel store on a previous supply run. "It's good for people to see me staying busy," Nate responded. "After all, you're the one who pointed out that I needed to start earning their faith back. It looks good to help with patrols every now and then." Nate watched as Cait moved from the washroom to the front of the mirror that had been gifted to her by a trader who recognized her as the companion of the Minutemen's general. Nate stood to face her, "Also, please tell me you didn't break Sturges' hand in order to get a hot shower tonight.". Cait smiled, still facing the mirror and said, "I dunno what makes you think I always resort to violence, I can be quite charmin' when I want to be. Besides," She said, turning to face him now, "you have no room to complain I did it fer you."

Nathan gave her a quizzical look, but before he could ask for elaboration, Cait unfastened her robe, letting it drop to the floor and allowing Nate the full view of her recently shaved and completely naked body. "Isn't this how you said women used to groom themselves before the War?" She asked coyly. Nate instantly felt himself harden at the sight of her. She had a slender, but muscular body that was pale, and true to her words, her womanhood was completely bare. Her breasts were full, perky, with light pink nipples that were almost invisible against the rest of her breasts, and while it had been some time since bra sizes were needed, Nate felt that she was most likely a B or a C in size. As he stared at her, he quickly remembered how long it had been since they had been intimate and began to tell her that maybe now was not a good time, but before he could get the words out, Cait slapped him forcefully. "Now you listen here general. Don't you dare try to weasel yer way out of this. I know its been awhile since we had a good fuck, but once we leave tomorrow, we could die at any time. Do NOT try to make me wait 'til we get to the Castle because I swear if I die without gettin' laid again, I will fuckin' kill you!" Nate was about to point out the flaw in her threat, but before he could, Cait shoved him, causing him to fall backwards back onto the bed. Cait seized the opportunity and straddled him, kissing him deeply while she pushed their groins together. Without warning, she stood up, and in one swift motion, pulled his briefs down to his ankles while assuming a position on her knees in front of him. No sooner had Nate sat up on the edge of the bed, then Cait had already taken him into her mouth.

Nate was immediately lost in bliss. Cait's head moved up and down slowly. Nate found the sound she made almost as pleasurable as the actual action. Nate looked down and saw her head bobbing faster now. She stopped bobbing for a moment and pushed herself all the way down to the base of his shaft. She looked up, directly into his eyes, her mouth still full, and he felt her tongue doing most of the work now. Her saliva-or maybe his juices-ran down her chin while she started bobbing her head up and down again. All too soon, Cait stopped. She stood up, and straddled Nate again, but this time she placed him inside her as she lowered herself onto his lap. He noticed she was already wet and he slid in smoothly. She moved herself back and forth, and Nate grabbed her ass firmly while trying to match the movement of her hips. Cait bit her lip, and started bouncing lightly up and down on his lap. The sight of her breasts bouncing enticed Nate and he reached up with one hand to cup one of her breasts. He squeezed and then bit her nipple lightly. She let out a soft moan, and began bouncing harder and faster. Nate felt himself getting close, and squeezed both ass and breast harder as he fought to control himself. Then a miracle happened. He felt Cait's grip tighten, her nails dug deep into his shoulders, and her mouth opened wide in a silent scream that did not stay silent for long. As Cait released a primal scream of pleasure, Nate also felt himself go. He buried his face between her breasts, and pulled her tight against him as he felt himself explode inside her. They held each other tightly, feeling their breathing start to slow and nails dug into skin, start to relax. Nate felt himself continuing to release himself into her, and felt her grip squeeze his shaft each time he did so. Soon, he felt Cait relax completely in his arms, and he rolled her over onto her back, making sure to keep himself inside her as he did, and he felt her legs wrap around him in return. He kissed her deeply, and she kissed him back. Still breathing somewhat heavily, Nate pulled himself out of her, and walked to the shower, leaving Cait on the bed naked, with his juices spilling from both places where his member had been. From behind he heard, "That was a good start, but when we get to Diamond City, I expect you to fuck me hard enough that the whole city can hear it." Nate, shook his head, chuckling, and turned on the water to wash.

*

The following morning, Nathan and Cait armed themselves from the armory, and each took a pack with supplies. Sturges, sent word to the Castle that the General would meet his escort outside of Diamond City in 5 days. Although the typical journey was roughly 2-3 days, Cait pushed for an extra 2 days inside the city, telling Nate that they deserved a break. Once the pair had everything they needed, they began their journey. It took the better part of a day for them to reach the Starlight Drive-in settlement, who had been told in advance of the General's arrival. The two slept there, before moving on to Graygarden in the morning. This took a full day as well since Graygarden was further west of their destination, but doing this allowed the pair to avoid Lexington and the Corvega Assembly Plant, where there were known raider strongholds. Still, Cait hated synths and other machines, and so rather than stay the night at Graygarden, she suggested they resupply and leave for the Oberland Station settlement that same evening. Nate agreed indifferently, before coyly pointing out that since all the inhabitants of Graygarden were machines, they probably wouldn't mind if Nathan and Cait had a quickie. Cait looked torn between disgust and excitement, but ultimately agreed if they made it quick. Grinning, Nate bent her over one of the robots' work benches, and held her by the hips. The robots ignored them and continued to work around them as Nate pushed himself into Cait. He enjoyed the sight of her ass jiggling each time he thrusted, and gave it a hearty slap for good measure. Cait gave an involuntary moan, but told him to hurry up. Nate thrusted harder and faster, and soon felt himself once again, exploding inside her. With some old fashioned robot exhibitionism out of way, the two dressed and resumed their journey.

Normally, when travelling in a group so small, they traveled in near silence. However, with the extra time they were no faced with, Nate was trying to work up the courage to say what he needed to say. "Hey Cait," he said. Cait didn't break her stride or even look at him. Her eyes just continued to scan the the area for any potential threats. "Watcha need darlin'?" She asked. Nate licked his lips, which were dry due to the heat before continuing. "I wanted to say thank you. For everything you have done." Cait still didn't break stride. "Darlin' that aint the first time ya fucked me out beyond them walls. No need to go thanking me everytime I bend over fer ya. I enjoy a good fuck as much as the next gal." Nate shook his head, knowing she was trying skirt what he was really after. Feelings were not exactly her strong suit. "You know what I mean Cait," he started again. "I mean thank you for getting me sober again and thank you for sticking by my side all this time. You don't even like the Minutemen, but you helped me build them into a powerful force to be reckoned with. You had your own demons, but you followed me all the way to the doors of the Institute and fought with me through mutants, synths, and every other monster we came across. I don't know what I did to deserve someone as loyal as you, but if there is ever way you can think of for me to pay you back I will."

They continued on silently for several minutes, but just as Nate was beginning to feel uncomfortable with her lack of response, Cait started speaking. "There is no balance between us darlin'." She finally stopped to face him. "Ya saved me from sure death back in the Combat Zone. Ya saved me from death again when ya helped cure me addiction. I don't really know what we are, er what we have, but I promise ya that ya can always count on me to be there when you need me. Whether its for a gunfight or 'cause ya need somewhere to put yer pecker." She said that last part with a smirk and winked at Nate before walking away. Nate rolled his eyes and followed her. He didn't know what they were either or what either of them wanted, but for now he was content with what they had. He walked behind Cait, and as his eyes drifted towards her rear, her voice rang out. "Keep yer eyes on the road and off me arse, ya dirty bastard." Nate chuckled followed her to the bridge.

The sun was setting as they approached Oberland, but as they drew closer it was clear that there was smoke coming from the settlement. Using only hand signals, the pair approached the settlement cautiously, but aside from the sound of burning wood, the settlement was eerily quiet. Cait and Nathan searched the area quietly, but there were no signs of survivors. As they regrouped, Nathan told Cait that they should call for help to locate survivors and figure out what happened to the settlement. "Are ya daft??" Cait whispered furiously. "Look, I get ya want to do yer Minuteman thin', but there is no good that can come from firin' a flare or tryin' to radio from here. Let's head for Hangman's Alley, and we can send help from there." Nate wanted to protest, but realized that Cait was right. It was dark, and the pair had no idea if there were still enemies in the area. It would be best to come back at full force to investigate the attack, but first they had to get out of the area. Nate nodded in reluctant agreement, and lead the pair's way out of the settlement. They followed the railroad tracks, for several kilometers before stopping to make a decision. They could continue in their current direction, which would lead them through several tunnels that had a history of use by raiders, or they could divert east and cross a bridge which would be faster. The problem was, the bridge would be a perfect spot for an ambush if whoever attacked the settlement was around, and an attack would effectively strand them their until help arrived. After several minutes of debating, they agreed to take the tunnels.

Switching to red beam flashlights, the two entered the tunnels. They walked single file in complete silence, with Cait leading the way. Although Nate had protested, Cait insisted that she knew the raiders' ways better than he, and so reluctantly, he allowed her to take point. He followed her steps exactly and saw that she was indeed navigating them around several traps placed in the tunnels. Looks like the raiders are back. He thought to himself. All of a sudden, Cait came to a stop. Although he felt the temptation to whisper, he forced himself to remain silent and soon heard sounds of raucous laughter from up ahead. He looked to Cait to see how she wanted to proceed and to his surprise she started forward again. It wasn't long before the light of several small fires came into view. At this point, Cait turned off her red light, and Nate reluctantly followed suit. She turned around and placed Nate's hand on her shoulder, squeezing it. Nate understood the message, don't let go. It was much harder to navigate in the dark but somehow Cait led them around the groups of raiders gathered in the tunnel. Of course, it probably helped that the raiders were all probably drunk, high or both.

They approached the exit of the tunnel, and Nate let out a quiet breath of relief that they had managed to avoid the raiders. No sooner had he relaxed than a bright motion light activated above them and shone brightly on their current position. He had just heard a "huh? Who's out there??" when he shoved Cait down to the ground behind the burned out remains of a car nearby. The pair stayed absolutely still and quiet as they heard several pairs of footsteps approaching. To make matters worse, Nate heard the growl of a feral ghoul and when he looked in the direction of the sound, he saw it crawling out from under the vehicle in front of them. He saw Cait take aim, but he touched her arm and shook his head when she looked at him. Placing his rifle down near Cait, he waited for the ghoul to crawl closer, and as it tried to grab him, he grabbed both of its arms, and rolled backwards, kicking it over his head. The ghoul slammed loudly into the ground behind him. "What the..?" A swift gunshot from one of the raiders put the feral down for good. "It was just a feral. C'mon, let's get back to the party before all the Jet is gone." Nate heard the raiders walk away and motioned for Cait to move while the light was focused on the raiders. He followed her to some nearby stairs, that led to a small lookout shack. Trading his rifle for his combat knife, Nate silently approached the sleeping raider, and slid the blade quickly, and forcefully across his throat. The raider died with a gurgle, and Nathan and Cait moved silently beyond the shack.

They turned on their red flashlights and made their way towards Hangman's Alley. As they passed by Hardware Town, a woman ran up to them and asked for help, telling them her friend was hurt inside and needed help. Before Nate could so much as respond, the woman had turned to reenter the building, but before she could open the door, Cait had her up against the wall, her shotgun under the woman's jaw. "Do we look daft to ya?" She demanded. "How many of yer buddies are waitin' fer us inside?" The woman's eyes were large and she said fearfully, "I don't know what you mean! Please don't hurt me!" Nate was about to tell Cait to stand down, but Cait made one last demand. "Show me yer collarbone. Nice and slow now." Without looking at Nate, she said, "Raider bitches normally have a brand near their collarbone to mark them as property of the group they run with." Nate recalled Cait having a large burn near her collarbone when they met and wondered if she had tried to burn her brand off the rest of the way. Before he could do or say anything else though, the woman went for Cait's gun, and Cait blew her head off. Cait yelled for Nate to take cover, and sure enough within seconds, several raiders burst through the front door.

From behind cover they heard, "The motherfuckers killed Tisha! Bring me their fucking heads!" Before the group could split up, Cait opened fire on them from around the corner of the building where she had taken cover. All the raiders turned to face her direction and opened fire on that corner. Nate took advantage of their distraction to toss a grenade in their midst. With the raiders grouped up as they were, 3 of the 5 were killed by the shrapnel, 1 went down from damage to their leg and the other ran off down the street. Nate took aim at the one running away and fired a shot from his combat rifle that brought down the raider. Cait walked out from behind cover and blew the head off the raider on the ground with a mangled leg. Nate walked over to the raider who had run who was now lying facedown in the dirt. He flipped the raider over and saw him gasping for air, blood flowing from his mouth. The raider reached upwards towards Nate, who aimed and fired a single shot into his skull.

"That was a lotta gunfire," Cait said. "We should keep it movin'. I don't think the Brotherhood normally patrols this close to Diamond City, but we shouldn't take any chances with you being AWOL and all." Cait brought up a very valid point, that Nate had not considered since leaving Sanctuary. In addition to mutants, ferals and raiders, they needed to take care to avoid any Brotherhood patrols. After Nate made the mistake of siding with the Brotherhood-the result of which was his son dead and the Institute a crater in the ground-Nate abandoned the Brotherhood and considered it sheer luck that they had not sent a recovery team to bring him back to Elder Maxon. As it stood, Cait was right, he needed to avoid coming into contact with the Brotherhood until he was ready. "So where we headed general?" She asked sardonically. "Do ya want to head fer Hangman's Alley er Diamond City first?" Nate nodded his head while mulling it over. It was still a few hours til daybreak, if there were any survivors from the Oberland attack, they might not make it past morning. "Hangman's Alley." He said, and with that they moved off back into the darkness. It was another half hour before they reached the Hangman settlement. A bright security light blinded them as they approached, and a voice called out, "Hold! Declare yourselves and your intentions or die where you stand!" A second voice rang out, "You idiots that's the General! Open the gate!"

The security light was dimmed, and the gate opened. 3 settlers appeared armed. The one in front was not one that Nate recognized, but he shook Nate's hand and introduced himself as Lloyd. "We were informed of your pending arrival General," he said. "But we were not expecting you until sometime tomorrow at the earliest. Has something happened?" This last question was asked as he looked at the blood on Nate and Cait's clothing as well as the bags under their eyes. "Oberland station has been completely wiped out. We need to organize a search once daylight breaks, and possibly radio for assistance." Nate felt the settlers' mood shift noticeably at his news, and some murmuring in the back could be heard. Lloyd looked back at his men, "Get the General and his companion inside, and get me a channel to the Castle." One of the settlers showed Nate and Cait to a couple of empty beds in the communal sleeping area. The settlement had no shower accommodations as the settlement was close enough to Diamond City that they simply traveled the short distance there in order to bathe once or twice a week. Nathan left Cait to settle in and joined Lloyd at the radio, who had just finished recounting the information Nate had given him. Initially Nate heard nothing but static, but then, "We read you loud and clear Hangman's Alley. An escort is already en route to secure the General, but additional reinforcements are also being dispatched. Do you have space to house our Minutemen…" Nate left Lloyd to handle the logistics and joined Cait in bed. Tomorrow would be a long day and he needed the rest.

*

Nate woke to sunshine, and the smell of cooked meat. He opened his eyes and Cait's fluttered open as well. Her head on his chest, and she looked up and kissed him, "Mornin' darlin. Somethin' smells good." They both rose to dress. Cait stripped with impunity, her breasts bounced freely for several minutes while she changed her shirt, yet no one but Nate dared glance in her direction while she did so. Her reputation preceded her at most of the settlements. At last, they joined their comrades for breakfast, and as they geared up for the day, Nate said, "You can head to Diamond City if you prefer Cait. I can meet you there when I'm done helping with recon. I know you're not a fan of the Minutemen, but this is something I have to do." Cait slugged him in the shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere without ya, ya dumb bastard." She said. "I may not give a shite about these Minutemen, but I certainly do about you, and I'm not going to let ya go out there without me to watch yer back." Nate leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were beginning to care about these settlements, Cait." Another slug to the shoulder."Oh fuck off, ya cunt! Get a move on, and keep yer eyes on the road and off me arse!" Despite the circumstances, Nate found himself grinning.

*

Near a full day of recon and there were no signs of any survivors. They had reexamined Oberland and this time noticed, that it had apparently been stripped clean during the attack. The strange thing was that although there were several blood spatters and bullet casings that could be found in the settlement, there was not a single body to be found. Perplexed, they resolved to put all settlements on high alert until they discovered more. With an hour left of daylight, Nate and Cait bid the settlement farewell and set off on the short walk for Diamond City. They walked for no longer than about 20 minutes before they heard gunfire. This close to the city, there was no point in trying to avoid a firefight so Nate led them closer to the sound of gunfire and soon discovered its source. "PUNY HUMANS! You had your time!". As they rounded the corner, they took in the scene before them and saw a Diamond City patrol group under heavy fire from a group of 4 mutants and 2 of their hounds. One mutant was down, as was 2 of the Diamond City patrol and a hound was mauling another guard who was screaming loud enough that half the Commonwealth probably heard it. Without hesitation, Nate and Cait opened fire from the rear of the mutants' group. Immediately, one mutant went down from the combined effort of Nate and Cait, followed by one of the hounds. The mutants turned around and returned fire in their direction. "DIE HUMAN! Your time is over!"

As Cait and Nate took cover behind separate objects, two things happened; the remaining hound stopped mauling the fallen guard, turned around and charged them. Second, one of the mutants activated a plasma grenade and also charged them. The hound went straight for Cait, but as much as Nate wanted to help her, he needed to take out the suicide mutant before they ALL perished in the explosion. He fired his combat rifle at the mutant, but the monster shrugged off the round and kept coming. He aimed again, this time at the creature's head and his next bullet took off its ear. The mutant roared in pain, but kept coming. Nate heard the sound of Cait's shotgun blast followed by her scream, but he knew what he had to do. He had exactly one more chance to stop this charging mutant otherwise the blast would kill them all. He sighted once more, this time aiming at the oversized grenade in the monter's hand. He lined his sights up with the blinking red light on the grenade, took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. The last thing Nate registered was the sound of Cait's scream, and the shockwave of the exploding grenade that launched the broken mailbox he was using for cover into him, launching him several feet. He hit the ground hard, and registered that he felt something wet near the back of his head before everything went black.