"Hey, the general's back."

"The general's back."

Word flew through the small city of shanty homes and pre-war structures. Nora barely had enough time to allow the gates to close before a mob encircled her. MacCready, her traveling companion, instinctively took a step back but was inevitably caught in the throng of bodies.

Like slipping into a familiar coat, Nora greeted the sea of faces with a smile and authoritative answers to the queries they brought. Without breaking her stride, the mob moved with her as she relayed updates from her trip, settled disputes, and barked orders for an immediate supply allotment to be sent to Finch Farm

Groping hands reached for her packs, heavily laden from her travels, and Nora let the straps fall from her shoulders mid-sentence. Her modified laser rifle was similarly taken, disappearing into the crowd almost instantly. MacCready similarly surrendered his bags but kept a tight hold on his sniper rifle.

The procession moved down the street at a steady pace until it reached the heart of the settlement. Nora stood strong against the continuing volley of requests for direction or approval. Meanwhile, her packs sat a short distance away, disemboweled inside a circle of volunteers – most of them teenagers or older children. The spoils of her exploration were thoroughly sorted and stashed well before the welcome ritual reached a conclusion.

When a series of distant yips and barks reached the group, everyone instinctively parted for the German shepherd running at top speed. Squatting in the street with open arms, the General of the Minutemen was bowled over by a flurry of fur and tongue and tail. Many onlookers chuckled as the wiggling animal made happy whines and plastered his favorite person with hair and saliva. After a few minutes of proper doggy welcoming, Nora stood to finish addressing the residents of Sanctuary, her faithful companion firmly lodged between her knees.

At last, the final curious soul turned away to attend to other matters in the settlement. Even MacCready had abandoned her, slipping out of the crowd unnoticed. Nora bent down to be at eye level with her dog.

"Hey puppy boy. Where's daddy, huh?"

With a yip and a quick lick, Dogmeat led her back up the street to her pre-war house. In the shade of the old carport, he stood waiting for her. As she crossed the driveway, she wore a different smile – one quieter than her general's smile, nodding along to half a dozen storeroom updates.

Arms opened to embrace her, but she bypassed his tame reception and shot straight for the mouth. Her hands grasped at velvet-capped shoulders, drawing him closer as their lips moved together. Live gravel in a tumbler, his low chuckle traveled deep into her chest. Once satisfied, she broke the kiss with a sigh and pressed her nose into his neck, her cheek resting on the sleek collar of his coat.

Hancock ran his hands up and down her back and over her hips. "Missed me that much, huh?" he asked with a grin.

She hummed contentedly. "More."

"More than that?" he said, pulling her back to look into her eyes, then stilled.

Surrounded by a nuclear wasteland, in the shade of a sagging carport, she was the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on, and the best thing in his life. Even now, he still felt that breathtaking tightness in the pit of his stomach when she looked at him like that.

"Welcome back," he murmured, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on her cherry-flavored lips.

Dogmeat squeezed in between their legs, panting happily. They both gave him affectionate scratches.

"How was your trip?" he asked.

"General?"

Preston stood at the edge of the driveway, tipping his hat.

"If you're not too busy," he continued, "I'd like to show you the temporary irrigation solution I mentioned? Before we loose the light."

Her shoulders sagged, but Hancock stopped her before she could apologize. "Go," he said, nudging her towards her colonel. "Take care of business. You know where I'll be."

"We'll be quick," she said with a final kiss.

"No rush," he replied, watching Nora, Preston, and Dogmeat head up the street.