But He Stopped Pt 2

Don't Need No Destination

I sat on the couch, leg twitching, hands clasped, bag ready. I stood and paced to the windows, looking out, finger tips tapping on the wooden boards. I turned and moved to my bookcase, scanning the titles on the shelves as though I didn't know each and everyone of them by heart. I sighed deeply and moved towards the kitchen.

"Hancock!" Fahrenheit was holding her head in her hands, glaring at the floor between her feet, "Sit. Down."

I growled at her, leaning a hip against the kitchen counter and crossing my arms over my chest. "Why?"

"You're pacing. Again." She threw her hands up in exasperation, standing swiftly and stalking towards me. "That's all you've done these past months. Pace and whine and sulk and feel sorry for yourself and pine for her and I'm gunna shoot you in a minute if you don't sit down!" She glanced down to my foot, "You know I will."

I rolled my eyes, but followed her back to the couches, sitting by my bag across from her; the light from the weak sun hitting my back. I briefly wondered if Fall was really a good time to go traversing the wastes of the Commonwealth, then shook my head. Winters weren't as ferocious as they had been once upon a time. A few inches, a couple below freezing days. Mostly warm enough and a lot of the predators were less likely to be out and about with the exception of ghouls and the Institute.

I heard feet outside the door. I took a deep breath, Fahrenheit moved to stand beside the couch. I kept my amusement to myself. I'd never hired her to be my protector, she'd just assumed the role naturally. I knew she would make a wonderful leader for Goodneighbor by the way she naturally protected everything she cared about. It was how I knew she loved me, despite everything. If she didn't she would have left by now. Lord knows I wouldn't blame her for going.

My eyes fixed on the doors as they creaked open. My Sole Survivor popped through, her red hair was pulled back in a bun, she wasn't wearing her hat or a helmet of any kind. Her leathers looked just patched up, mismatched armor of different strengths and materials covered her limbs and chest. She had an odd looking blade strapped to her waist, a pistol on the other side and a scoped sniper rifle across her back. Her back pack looked half full and I couldn't help but wonder what else she had within.

"Ready?" Her voice was strong and full, but a waiver of uncertainty hid in its depths.

I looked to Fahrenheit, who nodded stoically.

"Take care of the place," I grasped my daughters arm, nothing but solid muscle beneath my hand. "I'll be back to check on things, make sure you aren't burning the place down."

She snorted, rolling her eyes just enough to hide the extra shine of tears. "Just like you to not trust me. Come home safe." She grabbed my arm back and nodded. "Now go and chase your wild oats or whatever."

I smiled, knowing it didn't reach my eyes and turned to leave, following Rosie down the stairs. It was an odd feeling to walk away from my home. I'd never been gone from Goodneighbor or Fahrenheit for very long, a week at most during travels to the other settlements. Not knowing when or if I'd come back this time felt... curiously hollow. I felt Rosie's gaze on me as we crossed the courtyard towards the gates.

"You sure you're okay with this?" Her voice was smooth and low, "I could start arguing with you and you could stay here."

"Argue with me?" I raised a brow, acting offended as I opened the gate and let her step outside. "In case you weren't aware, I'm the most handsome, charismatic ghoul this side of the wastes. If anything we'd only argue about how long it'll take you to fall in love with me or what my numerous good points are."

I wanted to suck the words back into my mouth as soon as I'd said them. What an arrogant ass I sound like.

She sent me a look full of withering humor.