Fallout Preferences and Oneshots

Maxson x Reader (hope for the future)

Just as life seemed to finally grant a promise of what you longed for the most, it was just out of reach.

The talk of having a child has been something discussed since early on in your relationship with Elder Maxson, seeing as the securing of his bloodline was such a profound burden. However actually trying for one was something that was understandably put off until after a proper marriage, for reputation sake, and after your conjoined forces were no longer needed in the 'wealth, for safety...obviously.

Yet, here you were. Months after marriage, months of countless "attempts" and no more pregnant than before. At this point, the results from Cade were not much of a surprise but that still did little to quell the sting whenever he delivered the news- with that stupid pitiful look in his eyes- reinforcing what you knew was true.

A child was no longer in the cards for you, unfortunately.

Your only wish was that Arthur hadn't been so excited when you returned from Cade's appointment. It was such a shame, seeing his pretty eyes light up and that rare boyish grin of his, knowing what you were to say was something he wouldn't want to hear. Then again, he should've known better than to be so naive..not after finding himself in this position over and over again. Well..at least he wouldn't have to get his hopes up after this time.

It just hurt even worse seeing his face drop as you took his hands into your own.

"Arthur..." You started, unable to meet his eyes- afraid to watch all the light drain from them. "Cade said- um..Cade..fuck.." Words didn't come as easy as you wanted, elongating the possibility of simply "band-aiding" the situation.

With a soft nod, he understood well enough that you weren't with child. Taking a steadying breath, Arthur simply moved to the side and brought your weightless body to sit at his side. Before you even could explain further, he knew something was wrong this time, he could feel it in his gut.

"What did he say?" He spoke calmly, soft and gentle.

Despite your intention to stay strong for him, for yourself, tears began to well in your eyes- spilling down your cheeks before you could muster a response. To this, Arthur grimaced, wrapping one arm around you and pulling you as close as possible. Though he didn't seem like it, he was an affectionate man and at a time like this..well, it was vastly appreciated. Nonetheless, his embrace was of only a minor comfort.

"I..I don't understand it." Was the first pathetic gasp that left you, your mind struggling to grasp just how such a thing was possible. For god's sake, you were "pre-war", this was supposed to be easier for you than the average wastelander. You were supposed to be perfect..and yet you were... "I can't have a baby.." To which you followed by hiding your face in his shoulder, now afraid to see the disappointment you just knew he would express. How couldn't he?

For a moment he let you calm down, resting his head atop your own as his own thoughts raced. A large hand rubbing imaginary shaped into your back as you sobbed into his coat, clinging to him yet afraid to look him in the eyes. It was perhaps a slight ridiculous, but the idea of no longer being loved by the man you adored so much was a true fear. However the idea of being without a complete family was something you feared even more.

"Then I suppose it's a good thing we have Shaun.." He finally responded after your sons died down to occasional sniffles. True, Maxson was hoping for a baby- hell, even dreaming of it- but he knew when something was actually out of his reach. It stung, sure, but it was by no means the end of the world...that already happened.

"Wait..wh-what? Shaun?"

Your husband then pushed you back the slightest bit, a saddened but still genuine smile on his face. He wiped away your tears, sighing as he finally saw how distraught you looked with your face reddened and eyes swollen...truthfully, seeing you this way hurt even more than the news you just dealt.

"When I married you, your name did change to Maxson..did it not?" He asked. "As we've already discussed, Shaun also took my name as his own. He is our son, by blood or not. I love him, and I love you.." Arthur professed, resting his palm against your burning cheek.

"I know it isn't what we had originally hoped for, but I couldn't be any happier than I am now. You've given me many things, an exemplary soldier for our troops to look up to, someone to love..a wife, Shaun....expecting or even wanting anything else would be ludicrous. Shaun Maxson, our son, is our heir..as he would've been regardless of wether or not we would've had more children."

And just like that...you fell even more in love with your Elder.