Chapter 16: A Home in the Wasteland
The sky was beginning to glow orange as Izuku, Piper, and Nora crossed the old wooden bridge leading to Sanctuary. The journey back from the police station had been quiet, but they were all exhausted.
Piper: (Sighing) I never thought I'd see this place as a refuge… but after everything we've been through, it feels like home.
Nora: (Observing the structures) You guys have worked hard. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing.
Izuku looked around with pride. Sanctuary still had a long way to go, but it was no longer just a collection of ruins—it was home.
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Returning Home
As they entered the central area of Sanctuary, Codsworth floated over with his usual enthusiasm.
Codsworth: Ah, good evening, sir Izuku! I'm delighted to see you return in one piece. Young Eri has been well, though she has asked about you quite a lot.
Izuku smiled at that. The moment they stepped into the house, Eri ran toward him with her arms wide open.
Eri: Papa!
Izuku lifted her into the air and hugged her tightly.
Izuku: Hey, little one. Papa's here.
Piper and Nora smiled at the scene.
Piper: (Jokingly) If you weren't busy fighting raiders and mutant monsters, you'd be the best dad in the world.
Izuku chuckled and ruffled Eri's hair.
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Strengthening Sanctuary
After a short rest, the group got to work improving the base. Izuku coordinated the installation of turrets and defensive traps, while Piper and Nora helped with construction and organizing the supply storage.
After several hours of hard work, Sanctuary was more secure than before.
EXP +200 for improving the base
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A Quiet Night… and a Confession
As the sun fully set, Izuku stepped outside for some fresh air. He sat on an old couch outside one of the houses, gazing at the starry sky. Moments later, Piper approached, holding two bottles in her hands.
Piper: (Smiling) I thought we could toast to today's victory.
Izuku took one of the bottles and gently clinked it against Piper's.
Izuku: To surviving another day.
They both drank in silence for a moment. Then, Piper sighed and turned to him with a serious expression.
Piper: (Hesitant) Izuku… I've been thinking a lot about everything we've been through together.
Izuku raised an eyebrow, noticing the slight blush on her face.
Piper: (Looking down) I… I think I like you.
A silence settled between them. Izuku felt his heart race.
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Dialogue Options:
1. (Accept) "I like you too, Piper."
2. (Hesitate) "I'm not sure about my feelings."
3. (Gently reject) "I don't think this is the right time."
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Izuku took a deep breath before responding.
Izuku: (Smiling warmly) Piper… I like you too.
Piper's eyes lit up with surprise and joy.
Piper: I knew it wasn't just in my head!
From a distance, Nora watched the scene in silence. A strange feeling grew in her chest as she saw Izuku's smile and the way Piper's eyes sparkled.
Nora: (To herself) Am I… jealous?
Sanctuary was a safe haven, but inside the hearts of the group, new battles were being fought.
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End of Chapter 16.