Danse stretched against the couch in Hancock's room, listening intently to Serena's steady breathing. He still wasn't used to so much down time. In the Brotherhood, he'd always been in some training exercise or prepping for another mission. Though he endeavored to keep up with his standard exercises, he found it difficult to push his physical endurance to the limit given his surroundings. Since he didn't like leaving Serena for extended periods of time, this left him with long hours to occupy with nothing except his own musings. Danse allowed himself to drift upon waves of memories, replaying the last five days in his mind.

He recalled how Nick Valentine had come to check in on Serena. Valentine had given Danse a wicked look upon entering the room. There was little love between Danse and the detective. The old Synth had stayed by Serena's bedside for a whole day. She had awoken once in a feverish state, hardly recognizing Valentine. However, the Synth had been able to soothe her delirium with skillful ease. By the end, Serena had been smiling and holding his metal hand.

Claw is more like it, Danse thought with disgust. As with Hancock, an acrimonious jealousy had raged through Danse as he watched Valentine interact with Serena. He hated how close the obsolete, clunky Synth was with her. Valentine had been incredibly loving towards Serena, affectionately referring to her with pet names such as 'Doll' and 'Sweetheart' while she fondly called him Nicky. Each endearment had only fueled Danse's jealousy and animosity. Danse wondered if he would always feel as if he were in competition with everyone in her life. As far as he knew, she hadn't made any romantic overtures to anyone other than him. However, since he found out he was in fact not human himself, Danse had rebuffed her attempts at a romantic relationship.

Stupid to even be thinking about it, he growled to himself. But he couldn't help it. She was the only thing in his life that made sense anymore. He'd lost everything and all direction. The Brotherhood had been all he'd ever truly known and in a blinding second, that had been ripped away. However, when the ashes settled, Serena had remained. She was the only one good and shining light in his life, yet he kept pushing her away. How long would it be before she decided she didn't want to wait any longer? How long before she found herself in the arms of someone else like MacCready or God forbid, Hancock? Danse shuddered at the thought. How long would she wait for him to get his head straight before she decided she needed someone better?

But she does deserve better, he thought spitefully. She deserved a man, not an abomination manufactured by the Institute. Danse wasn't sure if he was even capable of love. Was what he felt for Serena even love or just some anomaly in his programming? When Serena had discovered his hideout and confronted him, she had said that he was still human to her regardless of what the Institute records revealed and what the Brotherhood thought.

Danse sighed heavily, resting his forearm over his eyes. He had taken off his power armor and stored it in the back of the room. He was used to wearing the heavy armor, so it no longer seemed cumbersome to him. However, he worried that his restless pacing would disturb Serena, so he had removed it. He'd taken to walking about in his Brotherhood of Steel jumpsuit ever since the incident. When Dr. Amari had shown up that morning to clean Serena, change her dressings and get her in new sleepwear, she'd commented on Danse's unkept state and pungent 'man stench'. Although displeased with the tactless observation, Danse begrudgingly agreed with the Doctor. He was in desperate need of a shower and a fresh change of clothes. Hancock had offered him his shower and even though it pained Danse, he took advantage of the ghoul's hospitality. When he'd emerged from the shower stall, there had been a fresh set of clothes sitting on the sink waiting for him, courtesy of Hancock. Danse had thrown on the pants, but had felt too constricted in the shirt as he went to lie out on the old couch. He'd removed it in an attempt to get more comfortable. However, the longer he laid there, the more the old and ripped material of the sofa pricked at his skin.

Danse wondered how he could even begin to interpret such sensations. How could he even know if what he felt was real or just something manifested by the component in his brain? Danse clenched his fist tightly in anger, straining the muscles in his arm. Everything he'd ever known or thought he'd known had been decimated and blown all to hell. He questioned everything, even his very reality. Only one thing remained constant and reliable in his life; and she nearly died right in his arms. How could he ever hope to have any kind of life if he lost her?

I'd walk into Boston airport and let the Brotherhood take me down, Danse thought without hesitation. The realization shocked him. Until that moment, he didn't realize that he would actually die without Serena in his life.

He sighed, shifting his thoughts back to Valentine's visit. The detective and Hancock had gotten along well, carrying on like they were old pals. When the Synth had left, he'd offered Danse his gratitude for getting Serena to Hancock so swiftly. He'd told Danse that the quick thinking had most likely saved her life. Danse had mumbled a few incomprehensible words to Valentine, refusing to shake the Synth's outstretched hand. Valentine clearly disapproved of Danse's biased attitude and had turned to Hancock for a more friendly touch. The ghoul had shaken Valentine's metal hand vigorously and promised to keep him updated on Serena's condition.

Danse shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Hancock had surprised him by being an accommodating and gracious host despite the lack of love between him and Danse. Hancock truly appeared to care for Serena and therefore cared for her friends.

And that's all I am and ever can be, Danse thought bitterly. Just a friend. He gritted his teeth and struck the old couch in anger with his still clenched fist. He knew he needed to forget about Serena in any romantic way. Their relationship had to remain as it was; platonic.

"Danse?" Serena mumbled, breaking into his desolate thoughts. He jerked at the sound of his name, sitting straight up and blinking several times in surprise. Serena had only woken up a few times since the operation and she'd only been lucid during the time Nick had visited her.

"I'm right here," he answered quickly, nearly leaping off the couch in his attempt to cross the large room to get to the bed. Hancock had had his men change out the mattress and sheets since the operation. He'd also gone down to Daisy's shop and had purchased several silken nightgowns for Serena. Both Danse and Hancock had modestly entreated Dr. Amari to fit Serena in new sleepwear each time she came to change her bandages. The good Doctor had respectfully complied.

Serena reached out for Danse. He eagerly took her hand, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"Hi," she muttered softly, her voice hoarse from disuse.

Danse smiled at her. "Hi, yourself."

Her eyes strayed over his naked torso and he felt a wave of embarrassment rush through him. She'd never seen this much of him before. However, to be fair, he'd never seen as much of her as he had in the last several days. She may have been wearing sleepwear, but it was far more revealing than any piece of armor she'd ever worn.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, his embarrassment reaching his neck and coloring it scarlett. "Let me get dressed." He endeavored to stand, but Serena's hand held tightly to his.

"Please, don't leave," she whispered.

"I'm not going anywhere," Danse answered ardently, sitting back down and squeezing her hand lightly.

"Come here," Serena beckoned, barely audible.

"What?" Danse asked.

"Come here," Serena repeated a bit more forcefully.

Confused by her request, Danse leaned closely to her. Serena pushed up against the mattress, hissing slightly in discomfort.

Danse felt a slight panic rise within him. "You really shouldn't move," he advised gently. "You're still healing and you don't want to tear the-"

Serena's hand wove around the back of his neck and she pulled him to her roughly, her mouth finding his, effectively silencing him. Danse grunted under the force of the kiss. Despite his earlier resolution, he found himself anxiously returning her kiss before finally regaining control of himself. He broke free of her, turning his face away.

"No!" He barked, the agonizing pain of want and unfulfillment searing through his chest. "We can't do this!" He shook his head, forcing the words from his constricted throat. "I… I can't do this to you."

"Danse," Serena said, her voice strong and firm. "I nearly died. I was almost killed by a fucking Raider of all things. I have tried to give you time to come to terms with your new identity. I've tried to be patient, but I can't wait any longer. I'm not going to squander any more time because we never know if each day will be our last. I don't want to regret not ever having taken this chance." She narrowed her eyes at him. "I want you, Danse. I want to be with you."

Danse shook his head, bewildered. "But why?" He asked. "How can you want me? I'm not human! I'm...I'm a machine." Danse winced. He hated even saying the words. "I can't ever give you what you deserve. I can't give you a family. I can't give you a normal life." He ran his hand through his thick hair as he'd done a thousand times before, only now to question the action, to wonder if it was a programmed gesture.

"I...I can't be what you need," he finished morosely.

"You're already everything I deserve and you're everything I need," Serena assured him. She strained to pull herself up even more, leaning against his naked chest weakly. Danse closed his eyes and let out a shuddered breath at her closeness. Her hand slowly wove over the skin of his chest, her fingers threading through the tufts of hair which protruded from his skin. Danse sighed, pressing his cheek into her hair. He inhaled the scented soaps and Aster flower shampoo Dr. Amari had bathed her in. It was such a pleasant smell.

Serena shifted, looking up at Danse. "Don't try to tell me you don't feel anything for me. I know you do. I can see it when I look in your eyes."

Danse opened his eyes and gazed down at her, his stomach knotting with nervous emotion. Was what he was feeling real or just a simulation? How would he ever know if what he perceived was real or just part of his programming? He didn't think he would ever truly know the answer to his queries. However, as he looked down into Serena's gray blue eyes, Danse couldn't deny that the adoration he felt for her was unequivocally true.

"How do I know what's real?" Danse finally asked, reaching up a reluctant hand and tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. He was losing the battle. He was unable to deny what he wanted when it was so close to him. When she was so close to him. "How can I trust what I feel?"

"They can manufacture a lot of things, Danse, but they can't fake love," Serena answered confidently. "But if you can't trust yourself or your own feelings, then trust me." She placed her hand on his cheek, her palm cresting over his rough stubble as she guided his mouth to hers. "I'll make you believe in yourself again."

Her lips met his delicately, kissing him softly and slowly. Danse's resolve melted under the touch of her mouth and he strove to to keep the willpower he needed to fight against his desire.

"Serena, I can't," he mumbled against her lips, gently pushing her away. It was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do. He wanted her, more than anything he'd ever wanted in his life.

However, Serena didn't budge. Instead, she pressed her body tightly against his, her skin radiating heat through her silken nightgown. Danse fought for control over himself and the erratic emotions which seemed to be constantly building within him. He knew he must remain in control. He couldn't allow himself to give into his desires.

"Kiss me," Serena said firmly. Danse stared at her in disbelief, breathing hard as he realized it was already too late. There was no going back. He couldn't fight it any longer.

"Kiss me," Serena demanded again, her eyes sparkling against the dim light.

In an instant, Danse found his lips melded tightly against hers, his tongue seeking refuge in her accommodating mouth. His hand knotted through her long strands of blonde hair. His breath hastened as she accepted his deep kiss, her own fingers weaving deliciously through his hair.

Danse broke the kiss, panting heavily. He moaned, passionately placing sweet and wet kisses along her jaw and neck. He slid his arm down and gently around her waist, cradling her against him. He could no longer deny himself. He no longer had the willpower to hold back. He had wanted her for so very long. He was weak in the face of his desire and he had failed to remain steadfast. He collapsed under the weight of his yearning, however he could not bring himself to feel guilty for failing. All he had ever wanted was wrapped up in his arms, shuddering pleasurably in response to his sweet, insistent kisses.

"Danse," Serena breathed, her head tilted back and her eyes filled with amorous affection. "You have no idea how much I want you."

Danse moved his lips down and over her chest and between her breasts, nuzzling her gently with his mouth and nose. His heart beat thunderously and he realized that he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted anything in the world. He wanted her even more than he wanted to be human.

"We can't," he breathed, resting his forehead against her chest. "You're still healing and I can't risk hurting you."

Serena pulled back, her eyes gleaming brightly. Without a word, she slowly slid the nightgown up her body with her good arm and over her head. She discarded it to the floor and turned her gaze back to him. Danse's breath caught in his throat as he stared speechless at her naked form.

"We can," Serena promised softly. "We just have to take it slow."
Danse swallowed hard. He found himself dumbstruck. "I can't. I mean, I don't know-" he was at an utter loss for words.

"It's okay," Serena whispered, taking his hand in hers and placing his palm over her breast. Danse let out a sharp breath as the soft nipple hardened under his touch.

"Touch me, Danse," she whispered. Danse hesitantly reached out his other hand, placing it tenderly against her other breast. He began massaging her, watching her reaction as he slid his thumbs over her hardened nipples and squeezed lightly.

Serena bit her lip and moaned softly, tilting her head back in contented pleasure. Danse's breathing hitched as he watched her raptly, his own desire stirring firmly underneath the material of his pants.

Danse continue to rub and massage her breasts, enjoying the subtle changes in her expression and the spikes in her breathing. Hesitantly, he leaned into her, his lips brushing over her erect nipple before taking it into his mouth.

Serena moaned audibly and Danse stroked the bud with his tongue, enjoying how she pressed her breast into his mouth in response to him as he began to suck on her. She threaded her fingers once again through his hair and he released her nipple, sucking and kissing the skin of her breasts before his mouth affixed to her other nipple, giving it the same attention he'd given the other one.

Serena moaned again, pulling gently at his hair in pleasure.

"Look at me," Serena panted. Danse released his hold on her breasts and pulled away, his dark eyes meeting hers. They danced wildly as she reached out to him, her fingers tracing a line down his chest and stomach to the bulge in his thin pants.

Danse groaned at the slight pressure of her palm as she rounded it against the outer material of his pants. He watched her fingers slide along the outline of him until they were once more against his stomach where she tugged playfully at the band of his pants before dipping her fingers inside and deftly caressing the length of him all the way to the tip.

Danse shuddered, a loud moan escaping his throat as his hips bucked in response to her touch.

"Serena," he gasped. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been so sure of anything in my life," she said breathily. She tugged resolutely at his pants and Danse shifted out of them, vaguely aware of the embarrassment that once again rose against his neck. She took in his naked form appreciatively. He was still barely able to look at her without dropping his eyes.

"Look at me, Danse," she encouraged. Danse struggled with his sense of modesty, finally looking at her body. She sat before him, her skin glowing brightly under the dim lamp light. He admired her exquisite form, reaching out to touch her face.

"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he whispered.

Serena blushed, averting her eyes from Danse for the first time. When she looked at him again, she was smiling. She leaned into him, giving him a quick, warm kiss on the lips.

"Lie on your back," she ordered in a low tone.

Without hesitation, Danse positioned himself in the middle of the bed and watched intently as Serena meticulously straddled him. He placed his hands on her hips, helping her balance. He was concerned that she would suddenly become too weak and fall over. His fears were unfounded as she appeared agile, remaining in place on top of him. He watched intently as she ran her fingers along the length of him. She crested the tip of him, rolling her palm over the top before wrapping her hand firmly around him and sliding it back down his shaft.

Danse pressed his head back against the pillow, stifling a moan of contentment. Fleetingly, he wondered how the Institute had been able to create Synths that could experience and bask in carnal pleasures. He quickly dismissed the query, losing himself to the skilled hands of his partner. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her hips as she stroked him harder and more insistently. His hips arched on their own and he could feel the warmth of her on his legs. He couldn't deny that her arousal fueled his own

"Serena," he groaned. "I need you."

She smiled, obviously enjoying his ecstasy. Without further coaxing, Serena shifted herself along his body, carefully situating herself on top of him. He held firm to her hips as she struggled to remain balanced. Already, she looked fatigued, but her face was filled with tenacity and determination. Nothing Danse could say or do would sway her from what she was wanted.

Serena looked into his eyes, her gaze never faltering as she delicately lowered herself onto his awaiting stiffness. Danse tried to hold her gaze, but was unable to do so. His head shot back against the pillow and he let loose an unhindered moan of pleasure at the warmth and tightness which encompassed him.

Serena moaned as well, the sound of her pleasure ripping through Danse like a beautiful song. She slid down along the length of him, coming to rest against him tentatively. She began rocking herself slowly and ever so gently over him, bracing her good arm against his shoulder. He arched his hips into her sharply as she moved down on him again. This elicited a loud gasp followed by a moan of pleasure as she rounded her hips over him. Danse's hands left her hips, sliding up her skin and to her breasts. He held her firmly in his hands as she took her time, rotating her hips down and into him, gently rising and falling.

She rested heavily on his shoulder and Danse knew her strength must be waning. He sat up, threading his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly as he pushed himself deeper inside of her, desperate to feel every ounce of warmth she offered him.

Serena cried out softly against his ear, her hips moving faster and deeper. Danse lowered his head, kissing her breasts and once again taking her nipple into his mouth and brushing his tongue against the wonderful bud.

"Oh, yes," Serena panted passionately, her breath hot against his ear. Her teeth grazed his earlobe, causing a shiver of pleasure to roll down his back. Her fingernails dug pleasurably into his back and he swore her warmth became an inferno around him. He was so close. She felt so amazing against him and she was moving at the perfect speed, applying the perfect pressure.

"Unh," he groaned. "Serena, I can't…" He moaned loudly, only to have her place her mouth against his, her tongue sliding aggressively against his own. Danse moaned again, feeling himself swell inside of her. Serena moaned in response, her pleasure reverberating through him.

She broke the kiss, panting. She was on the edge. "Stay with me, Danse," she breathed rapidly, working her hips against him fluidly. "Stay with me."

Danse groaned loudly, his muscles straining as he endeavored to stop himself from the inevitable. Serena shifted hard against him and Danse lost all control. He moaned loudly, burying his face in her chest and holding her in his arms tightly as he came inside her with a force that caused his vision to blur.

Serena moaned loudly at the heat which plumed hotly inside her, giving her the slight edge she needed as she slid her hips more fervently against Danse until she herself came undone. Her mouth aggressively sought Danse's, her cries of pleasure echoing loudly against his pants and groans as he felt her wonderful spasms clutch him in an almost painful, but glorious way.

Gradually, her convulsions slowed and her fevered moans became soft whimpers of contentment as he kissed her lips, enjoying the soft sounds she elicited due to his touch. Soon, she collapsed against him, her forehead pressed heavily against his shoulder. Danse slid back down the bed, holding her against him as he did. She laid on top of him, her breathing gradually becoming deep and steady.

Danse's fingers stroked her back lovingly, careful to avoid the bandaged wound. He felt a cocky smile touch his lips and he chuckled lightly.

"What?" Serena asked, twisting her head to give him an inquisitive look.

"Ad Victorium!" He announced loudly.

Serena burst out into a fit of laughter and Danse joined her as she slid off him and situated herself comfortably against his chest. For the first time since finding out he was a synth, Danse felt good. He felt human once again and it was all thanks to her. He had been so worried about how Serena would feel about him and despite her claims thought she would never be able to accept him for what he was. However, here she was, lying in an intimate embrace with him and Danse knew without a doubt that she accepted him for all that he was and that she would fight for him every day of her life. He also knew that he would do the same for her.

He kissed the top of her head and continued to softly stroke her back.

"I love you," he whispered. It was something he'd been wanting to say for a very long time. He had no idea how wonderful it felt to finally embrace and confess his true feelings to her.

"I love you, Saul," she replied softly.

Danse's brow creased in surprise. "How-Wait, I never told you my first name."

Serena gave him a crooked smile. "Yeah, well, the Brotherhood should really invest in some better security programs. Their terminals are way too easy to hack."

Danse scoffed in amusement, a grin spreading over his face. "I guess there's no keeping any secrets from you. Do you always get what you want?"

"You know I do," Serena said, stifling a yawn. "I got you, didn't I?"

Danse nuzzled her forehead, trailing his lips down to her mouth, gently giving her a slow, soft kiss. "That you did. You need to get some rest."

"I will. Don't leave, okay?" Serena asked sleepily, nearly dozing already. "Stay with me tonight. Stay with me always."

Danse ran his fingers through her hair, watching her as she drifted off to sleep. He knew there would be questions and hardships to overcome in the future, but for now he was content to just be with her. Because he knew that whatever caused their fates to intertwine would never let them unravel.

"I'm not going anywhere," Danse promised as he realized that he never wanted to spend another moment of his life without her. "Not ever again. You're stuck with me now."

Serena smiled dreamily. "Good."

In the next room, Hancock sucked on his chem inhaler, a bittersweet smile tugging at his decaying mouth. "Good on you, love," he whispered, striding over to the balcony and looking up into the night sky. "It's about fucking time."