Chapter 8: A New Home

The group walked down the path toward Sanctuary in silence, the adrenaline from the battle at Concord still coursing through their veins. Izuku led the way, his damaged power armor on, carrying his laser musket over his shoulder. By his side, Piper checked her revolver while casting furtive glances at him.

Eri was in Izuku's arms, hugging his neck tightly, her small face hidden against his chest. Albóndiga trotted nearby, alert to any potential threats. Preston and the other survivors followed closely, exhausted but with a spark of hope in their eyes.

Finally, they crossed the old wooden and metal bridge that led to Sanctuary.

Preston: (Sighing in relief) So this is Sanctuary... Looks like this place has potential.

Izuku: (Looking around with nostalgia) Yeah... it was my home.

The remnants of the old community were overgrown with weeds, with houses in ruins and streets full of debris. Despite the state it was in, Izuku felt a comforting familiarity.

Suddenly, a metallic voice echoed through the air.

Codsworth: (From a distance) Mr. Izuku! You can't imagine how glad I am to see you in one piece!

The robotic servant floated toward them, visibly excited.

Codsworth: Oh, and the little miss Eri, what a joy to see her safe and sound!

Eri lifted her head, looking at Codsworth with curiosity before letting out a small giggle and stretching her arms toward him. Codsworth flitted around her, making playful sounds with his extendable arm.

Piper: (Crossing her arms with a smile) Looks like someone's popular.

Izuku: (Smiling slightly) Codsworth's always been good with her.

The group made their way into Sanctuary, splitting up to explore and decide where to settle. Izuku carried Eri to his old house, with Piper following close behind.

Inside, everything was dusty and covered in cobwebs. Izuku gently placed Eri on the floor while he inspected the room. The crib was still there, though worn down by time.

Piper: (Looking at Izuku while wiping off a piece of furniture) How do you feel being back here?

Izuku remained silent for a moment, gazing at his home before answering.

Izuku: (Whispering) It's strange… It's like time stopped, but at the same time, everything's changed.

Piper looked at him with understanding. She couldn't imagine what he was feeling, but something in his expression made her want to get closer.

Eri, oblivious to the conversation, tottered over to Piper and tugged on her sleeve.

Eri: Piper… are you staying?

Piper blinked in surprise, then smiled, kneeling to be at eye level with the little girl.

Piper: (Smiling) Of course, little one. I don't have a better place to go.

Eri shyly smiled and grabbed Piper's hand, warming the journalist's heart. Izuku watched the scene and couldn't help but smile.

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Later that night…

The group lit a campfire in the center of Sanctuary. The warmth from the fire illuminated their faces as they shared the little food they had.

Eri was curled up against Izuku, half asleep, while Piper sat next to her, watching him from the corner of her eye.

Preston: (Looking at Izuku) I never thought I'd find a leader in the middle of all this, but here we are.

Izuku looked at him in surprise.

Izuku: Leader? I'm not sure I am that…

Preston: (Smiling sincerely) Everyone here follows you because they believe in you, Izuku. You've given us hope.

Izuku fell silent, staring at the fire as he processed those words.

Piper, sensing the weight of the conversation, changed the subject.

Piper: (Smiling slightly) Well, what I do know is that without this man, we wouldn't have made it out of Concord alive. And besides, he seems like a good father.

Izuku felt his face heat up slightly at the comment, but didn't respond. Piper, for her part, lowered her gaze with a soft expression.

The night wore on, and one by one, the members of the group went off to rest.

Before heading to bed, Piper looked at Izuku and smiled.

Piper: (Quietly) Thanks for everything, Izuku. Goodnight.

Izuku looked at her and nodded.

Izuku: Goodnight, Piper.

As the journalist walked away, her heart raced a little faster than usual. She couldn't deny what she was starting to feel… and that both scared and excited her at the same time.

Izuku, for his part, looked down at Eri, who was asleep in his lap, and sighed.

The world had changed, but maybe, just maybe… they could still build something new.

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End of Chapter 8.