Chapter 5: We've All Changed Once or Twice

Hancock stared as the woman of his dreams ran, he still felt the sting of her hand when it collided with his face. In truth, it wasn't even a hard slap, but mentally it hurt like hell.

"Oh man, sorry Hancock." MacCready apologized, "but you should give her space."

At first he wanted to yell at the other male, then he realized the slap was probably deserved. It wasn't MacCready's fault.

"No... not it's fine." He wasn't sober, but wasn't shit-faced drunk either, he wasn't exactly a heavy drinker. "I'm- I'm gonna stand out..." He took in a deep breath, "talk to you later, MacCready."

"Yeah... again, I'm uh sorry I brought it up."

He walked away after the other responded, leaving the bar with a frown on his face.

He kissed her- or rather- she kissed him. He didn't expect it at all, doesn't mean he didn't like it. Quite the opposite really.

He paused as he sat down on one of the empty benches. Head in his hands while he sat, trying to think of numerous ways to apologize. Now that he thinks of it, she ran out of Goodneighbor didn't she?

He cursed, she didn't have her stuff on her. He did get glimpses of that knife she kept well hidden.

For minutes he couldn't find the will to stand, or move at all for that manner. When he did look up his eyes were met with the scene of Finn approaching two figures, when he looked closer, it was Nick, and woman.

He sighed, standing up and and approaching them. As he grew closer, the woman's face contorted to one of annoyance.

He snickered as she told him to back off, Finn becoming more wary.

Nick noticed his approach, didn't mention anything but Hancock saw him stare for a moment.

"Woah woah, time out." His voice made the two turn to him. "Someone steps through the gate the first time, they're a guest. You lay off that extortion crap." He told Finn, his stare burning into the other man.

"What d'you care? She ain't one of us." He retored, the woman glanced at Nick, then Hancock in slight suprise and curiosity.

"No love for your mayor Finn? I said let her go."

"You're soft, Hancock. You keep letting outsiders walk all over us, one day there'll be a new mayor." Hancock's lips twitched to a small smirk.

"Come on man, this is me we're talking about. Let me tell you something," he started, walking towards him. He held his arm open for a split second before pulling out a knife, stabbing Finn in the stomach multiple times before letting the man fall to the ground with a groan. The action took the woman by suprise.

"Now why'd you have to go and say that, huh? Breaking my heart over here?" He looked down at Finn's body, his stomach bled out as he tried to cover the wounds. It end up futile though.

Hancock looked towards the woman, giving a curt nod to Nick who now stood next to her. "Now I know you had ole' Finn handled back there, but a mayor's gotta make a point sometimes. You all right?"

She sent a wary look but nodded, "I'm fine, thanks for uh taking care of him." She glanced down at the body.

"Good. Now don't let this incident taint your view of our little community. Goodneighbor's of the people, for the people, you feel me? Everyone's welcome."

She gave another slow nod, "yeah. I feel you."

"Good. You stay cool, and you'll be part of the neighborhood." He said then added, "so long as you know who's in charge."

"Hey uh, Hancock. Mind if I speak with you for a moment?" Nick spoke up before the ghoul could turn around. "Mind waiting here for a minute or two Nora?"

Hancock wasn't given the time to respond when Nick dragged him away to a vacant area.

As soon as he did he sent him a look, one that made Hancock guilty. The damn synth was good at that, pickin' people out. All that detective stuff.

"What happened betweened you two?" Was his first question, John almost groaned, he was bringing it up, wasn't he?

"How'd you know?"

"Me and Nora ran into her, she seemed shaken, when Nora touched her she seemed like she was about to shatter."

"I really messed up."

Nick huffed, "yeah I can see that. You know, I don't need exact details. What I do know is that you need to make up whatever bond was broken. Because I've never seen her in such a state."

Now John really felt guilty. Nick was telling him this as if he was his parent. But Hancock doesn't exactly have a good bond with his remaining family.

"Where is she now?"

"Piper is bringing her back to Diamond city, since she insisted she didn't want to come back here." With those last few words came another glare.

Hancock sighed, "yeah I messed up, I know this Nick. You don't gotta remind me every second."

Nick rose a brow, "I'm not, you're the one making yourself guilty about it. Thinking about it yourself, go find her. Whichever works, but if it ends up with neither of you hurt, then so be it."

"You're always gonna be the same aren't you, Nick?" It wasn't a question he needed to answer. He seem kind of confused by it but shrugged.

"Whatever you say, now I believe we both got our own things to do." Nicm paused in thought for a moment then said, "ah right, she wanted me and Nora to retrieve her things when we were done." His golden eyes flicked yo Hancock's. "Unless you can bring it for us."

John crossed his arms, "fine, I'll do it. If I get another slap to the face I'm gonna blame you for suggesting."

Nick's brows rose, "she slapped you?" The synth let out a chuckle making John roll his eyes.

"Yeah whatever, go do whatever you need to. I'll go do my own thing." He shooed Nick off, however mentally thanked the detective for the talk. He had a feeling Nick sensed he had too, weird guy.

•▪°●°▪•

He had your backpack on when he jogged towards Diamond city. It probably wasn't safe to be out at night, and for you in your probably still drunken state. He knew Piper had a gun, but he knew if you guys were outnumbered then you were both doomed.

After minutes of him jogging passed, he heard the sounds of gunshots. He waved it off at first but remembered this was one of the fastest easiest ways to Diamond City. If you were there, he would regret passing by.

His instincts were right, he was glad he remembered. Making it in time to see you and Piper being attack by ferals.

Finishing off the rest of them, Piper brushed off the dirt and dust from her clothes, kicking the dead ghoul with a glare.

Hancock turned to (Y/n) extending a hand. His stomach dropped as she glared at him, but she accepted the offer. Giving him a slight piece of hope.

"You better explain later." She whispered as he pulled her up. She eyed the backpack and Hancock responded.

"I will. Here, your things." He passed her the backpack, holding her shoulders to steady her. "Shit, can you stand?"

(Y/n) frowned, shifting her weight. Wincing as she put pressure onto her left leg. Hancock finally looked down, eyes widening at the damage. "Shit, here use a stimpack for now." He took one out of her bag.

"Oh look it's my second least favorite mayor," Piper spoke up. "You gonna be okay there girlie?"

"I should be asking you that too." (Y/n) applied the stimpack, tossing it to the ground, sucks their a one-use only.

"I'm in better shape than you." Piper said, looking at her leg. "Owch." She sympathized.

"I'll be fine," she grumbled, letting out hiss as she attempted to walk.

"I highly doubt that." Hancock caught her before she could stumble.

"I said I'm fine." She said through gritted teeth.

"Sorry (Fake/n), but I gotta agree with Hancock on this." Piper gave her a stern look.

Hancock hesitated before walking infront of her, crouching down and glanced back to her. "Come on, I'll carry you."

(Y/n) glared at him, he didn't straighten up though.

He wasn't going to lose her. In his life, and have her lose her own life.

•▪°○°▪•

You were far more comfortable with this than your mind gave you credit for. You hated him, but still loved him.

God it's so difficult! You mentally screamed, your leg stung like a bitch, even though you took a stimpack it must be infected.

Here you layed on top of John's back as you three continued to Diamond City.

Your mind ran with thoughts as you thought over what happened. He saved you and Piper, even though you slapped him and ran away.

Perhaps you were being to rash, you didn't give him a chance to explain before. Everyone's got their reasons. Whatever it was would determine if you could really trust this new John.

You found yourself drifting to sleep as he walked. Resting your chin on his shoulder you shut your eyes and muttered quietly, "m'sorry I slapped you."

"Hey it's fine... I kind of deserve it."

You sensed Piper stare for a moment before looking away, she could think anything she wanted, you didn't care. By her words, she wasn't too fond of Hancock, they weren't friends, but they weren't enemies either.

Positioned your cheek to rest against his shoulder as you slowly fell asleep. Sleep would numb the pain...

So you slept.

"Hey, (Fake/n)." Hancock's voice made you stir. "We're getting closer to Diamond city, right near the gates. You okay?"

You opened your eyes, it was still dark. Glancing at your pipboy it read 3:48 am.

Piper yawned, "we should ask you that. You're a ghoul after all."

"Well, they ain't the friendliest, but last time I had to come here in this state... well I haven't. Let's just hope they don't shoot on sight."

"That isn't sure enough." You said groggily.

"Doesn't have to be, I am pretty sure they won't shoot me, but they might kick me out."

You grumbled, "not good enough, but it's your choice."

Hancock lifted you up, making sure you aren't gonna slip off and continued to walk.

"Okay then." Piper sighed, following behind.

You snuck glances at the gaurds as the three of you passed. Your eyes met the gaze of guards who choose to stare too long. Making them look away as your eyes burned into them.

"Guessing we're going to the agency?" Hancock spoke up, ignoring the whispers thrown his way.

"We should get that leg checked out first, don't cha' think?"

Oh right, your leg, it felt completely dumb by now. "Oh shit yeah."

"Thing about that... it's still really early, doc's probably asleep right now." Piper looked over, pointing to an empty area.

"I'll be fine, just pour water on it and bandage it. I'll see the doctor in the morning." You grunted into the red fabric. "Just," you started with a sigh, "bring me to the agency."

Piper looked at you with a frown, Hancock even turned his head to glance at you. "You sure there, girlie?"

"Mhm." You hummed tiredly, so Hancock lifted you, and started towards the detective agency.

Piper followed, you were suprised she was still going along with you guys. As you got to the alley, Piper went first, glancing at the two of you before knocking on the door.

You watched as Ellie opened the door, a suprised look on her face. Cherry-pop peeked out, you felt yourself smile.

"Chica!" You leaned to the side, holding out a hand. Ellie's attention flew to you, then to Hancock, then to your leg. Cherry squeezed past Ellie's legs and went over to you.

John looked to the dog in suprise as she licked at your fingers, making you let out a breathless giggle.

"Oh my goodness, what happened?" Ellie gasped. "And... Hancock?"

"We got attacked by ghouls, Hancock here helped us and insisted on carrying (Fake/n) who got her leg badly wounded." Piper summarized, "can I leave them in your hands?"

Ellie nodded, "yeah, come on. Let's treat your leg and you can get some rest." She ushered you and John inside.

You were placed on a bed, glancing up tiredly to John you mumbled, "I'm still getting that explanation, okay?"

"Yeah... okay." You layed back, leaning against the wall. "Sorry I slapped you."

John just smiled sadly, and ran a hand through your (h/c) hair. "It's okay."

Was it really?