The group left the Combat Zone behind, with Cait walking alongside them. Although her expression was relaxed, there was an air of discomfort in her posture. Izuku noticed it immediately.
—"Are you okay?" —he asked as they made their way through the ruined streets of Boston.
—"I'm fine… it's just that I'm not used to people helping me without expecting something in return," —Cait replied, crossing her arms.
Piper gave a slight smile.
—"Well, welcome to our peculiar family. We don't charge fees for saving lives."
—"Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it… but I need to get used to this."
They walked cautiously, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Night was falling, and the city became even more dangerous in the dark. As they moved forward, Izuku checked his Pip-Boy, looking for the safest route back to Sanctuary.
—"We should find a place to camp before continuing," —Nora suggested. "I don't like the idea of walking blind in the dark."
—"Good idea. Besides, I need something strong to drink," —Cait added, rolling her eyes.
—"Do you always talk about alcohol?" —Piper asked, raising an eyebrow.
—"When you've spent so much time in a cage fighting for others to bet on you, you need something to make you forget, you know?"
Piper lowered her gaze for a moment before sighing.
—"I get it."
### **An Improvised Shelter**
After a while of walking, they found a small ruined building, intact enough to provide shelter. They lit an improvised fire with some wood and metal scraps and took a moment to relax.
Cait pulled a bottle of whiskey from her backpack and took a long swig.
—"How the hell did you all end up together, anyway?" —she asked, pointing at Izuku, Piper, and Nora.
Izuku exchanged glances with the girls before answering.
—"It's… a long story. But, in short, the world changed, and we're just trying to survive."
Piper chuckled softly.
—"I met Izuku when I was trying to interview a mysterious refugee from Vault 111. Didn't think I'd end up following in his footsteps."
—"And I… well, he saved me from a nightmare," —Nora said, a nostalgic look in her eyes. "I can't explain it, but I woke up in a world I didn't recognize… and he was there to help me."
Cait watched them silently for a moment before shaking her head.
—"I don't know what surprises me more—your story or the fact that you haven't tried to kill each other yet."
Piper scoffed.
—"Oh, trust me, there are days I think about it."
The group chuckled softly, enjoying the moment of peace.
**EXP +30 for completing the day without any encounters**
### **An Unexpected Moment**
As the others began to sleep, Piper stayed by Izuku's side, watching the fire.
—"I don't know what we'd do without you, you know?" —she said quietly.
Izuku smiled, a little uncomfortable.
—"I'm just doing my best."
Piper looked at him for a moment, her expression uncertain. Finally, without warning, she leaned in and kissed him. It was a short, timid kiss, but full of emotion. When they pulled apart, Izuku looked at her, surprised.
—"I'm sorry… it's just that…" —Piper blushed. "I've been feeling this for a while and… well, I guess I wanted to know what it felt like."
Izuku didn't know what to say at first, but then he smiled softly.
—"You don't have to apologize."
Piper gave a small smile, relaxing a little.
—"Just… think about it, okay?"
Izuku nodded, and Piper settled beside him, enjoying the warmth of the fire.
The next morning, they packed their things and set off again, with Sanctuary as their destination.
—"Well, Cait, time to see if you can get used to having a home," —Izuku said, smiling.
—"I'm not promising anything, but I guess it's worth a shot."
With a new ally, a new bond growing between him and Piper, and many questions in his mind, Izuku continued his journey, preparing for whatever the Wasteland had in store for him.
---
End of Chapter 20