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wastelandlovingscenarios · 4 months

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undeniable | porter gage x female! sole survivor

a/n: am i finally back on my bullshit, uploading on a random sunday night? this is different from what i usually write, but hey! im definitely writing something. im too tired to revise or edit this bc its 12 AM, so ill look it over in the morning. just thought i'd post something silly.

♡ based off a modern au where gage and the sole survivor are childhood bestfriends in another life.

For as long as Gage can remember, she’s been a burden. Being nearly five years older than her and her guardian -- or her best friend, as she likes to call him -- he’s always felt inclined to watch over her. He doesn’t know why, he knows he doesn't necessarily need to, but the thought of abandoning her feels wrong. So he tries to find reasons as to why -- was it because they both grew up in terrible conditions together and only had each other? Or was it because he knew the moment he let her dumbass go into the real world alone, she’d somehow get herself killed?

He shakes his head. Finding a reason was nothing but a waste of time, his mind overworking itself more than it already was. He dumbs it down to simply getting used to the routine of caring for her since they were children. If he fucks up his schedule now, he’d have to go through the trouble of rearranging everything around once again and readjust to his new lifestyle.

‘Yeah,’ he thinks to himself, unlocking his apartment door, twisting the knob, ‘It’ll be nothing but fucking trouble.’

Once he pushes the door open, his boots thumping against the tiled floor of his apartment, he sees her sitting on the couch, distracted by the show playing on the television. His eyes darted over to the coffee table in front of her, papers and open textbooks strewn across the poor thing, obviously untouched and just displayed prettily to mimic the idea that she was being productive.

With a low grumble, he tosses his bag on the counter nearby and takes off his boots before grabbing the remote lying on the couch. She’s so invested in her little show that she barely even notices him walking in with a scowl and an annoyed sigh. Sole jumps when the television shuts off suddenly, a gasp leaving her lips before turning her head to the side.

“Hey, I was watching!” she whines, already rising from the couch to pick another fight with him. He doesn’t show any reaction and instead, crosses his arms with an unimpressed expression while he holds the remote hostage.

She tries her best to grab it from his hand but he rolls his eyes, gently pushing her back down onto the couch.

“Quit watchin’ and start studyin’. Yer not gonna get shit done like this.”

She huffs angrily, her eyes narrowing at him, “Gage, a little break wouldn’t hurt every once in a while.”

“And what have you accomplished since I left for work this afternoon?”

Sole swallows nervously, her mouth going dry at his questions as she opens and closes it, trying her best to stand her ground. He raises a brow, giving her a chance to respond and redeem herself, but he already knows. She was a fool for thinking she could get away with such a lie, knowing that Gage knew her better than anyone else.

“Thought so,” he stuffed the remote in the back of his pocket, “Now be a good girl and finish yer damn work. I’m not paying yer tuition for you to fuck around.”

Sole groans but listens obediently, pulling the coffee table closer to her. She grabs her laptop and unlocks it, opening her notes before reaching over to snatch one of her textbooks.

“I don’t understand why you’re on my ass about my studies so much, Gage,” she complains, highlighting something in her book a bit roughly, “You didn't even finish high school, so why does it even matter?”

He doesn’t spare her much of an answer, walking over to the kitchen to find something to cook for them, “Exactly my point. You wanna be better than me.”

“But you make so much money, you’re able to provide for both of us!” she throws her hands in the air, desperately trying to prove a point to her stubborn roommate, who seemed to be firm on his words.

“That’s only because I got connections. Now shut your mouth and study.”

He doesn’t find much in the fridge nor the cabinets, silently setting a reminder in his mind to do a grocery run first thing tomorrow before work. Eventually, he decides to heat up some leftovers they had for lunch and cut up some fruit for her to snack on while she did her work. It’s shit, he knows, but it’ll do till tomorrow.

He makes his way back to the living room, plopping on the couch next to her and setting the food on the coffee table, maintaining a good distance between their dinner and her work. The last thing he wanted was to spill anything on her laptop and notes -- it would only give her another reason not to be productive.

He doesn’t say much, but his eyes flicker over to her for a moment, a small smile on his face at the sight of her seemingly focused on her work now, a sense of satisfaction overcoming him. Gage leans back on the couch, pulling his phone out to distract himself while he kept her company in the living room. He takes a few bites of his portion of the leftovers, glancing at Sole here and there to ensure she was still on track.

It’s a peaceful few minutes, he can’t recall how long, as they both sit in silence, her music playing softly in the background to fill up the white noise. Suddenly, he hears a sigh, sounding a bit defeated, and his eyes set on her sulking figure.

“Gage, I know that you want the best for me, but I’m nearly twenty-three and you still treat me like a kid.” he stares at her, not showing any reaction but notices how she refused to make eye contact with him, her eyes glued to the screen of her laptop.

When she doesn’t get a response, she closes her eyes before turning her body towards him, her expression serious, but he can see right through her. She’s pleading, but not in an annoying bratty way like she usually does, so he decides to listen to her troubles.

She scoots closer to him and he watches, his phone long forgotten in his hand, “I’m really grateful for you and all that, but you need to trust that I can do well in school and balance my time. You can’t take care of me forever.”

Instead of getting a response like she’d hope for, she was met with the usual silence he often provided her when she tried to set her boundaries. With an irate expression, she turned back to her laptop, her face flushed in embarrassment, feeling like her words vanished into thin air.

She should’ve known better than to talk to Gage — he was a man of few words and she didn’t know why she expected him to at least say something to show that he at least cared about her feelings one way or the other.

Before she could continue studying to hide her embarrassment and anger, she hears his voice and freezes.

“I know.” his voice is gravelly, a bit of exhaustion mixed into it, and her head shoots to him, a bit stunned at his broken silence. Her eyes are wide, body paralyzed at the sudden response. There’s a slight flush on his face but she convinces herself it’s the lighting.

Definitely.

He knows she’s waiting for more than just that and he sighs, crossing his arms as he makes eye contact with her the best he can without losing his shit, “Just want you to have a good future. Want you to live a better life than what I’m giving you right now before I send you off.”

Suddenly, she’s overcome with guilt and she immediately leans over to him, her hands finding his as she cuts him off, “No, that’s not what I meant!”

With another breath, she composes herself before speaking.

“Gage, you’ve given me everything I’ve wanted and needed, the last thing I’ll ever do is criticize your care for me. I don’t plan on leaving your side, even when I get a better life.”

His heart twinges and his feelings for her resurface, but he pushes it down.

She pulls on the sleeves of his hoodie, playing with the fabric with her fingers, “I just want you to trust me more. I know I’ve been slacking a bit, but I’d never fail school, especially when I know you’re working hard to provide for both of us and paying for my tuition. I’d never do that to you.”

“Wouldn’t say I’m working hard,” he downplays it, not wanting her to fret about such a miniscule matter.

She groans, “You work twelve hour shifts everyday. Sometimes fourteen!”

He shrugs nonchalantly and Sole pouts at his stubbornness, smacking his arm with annoyance. Gage bites back a smirk, amused by her behavior and catches her wrist midair, her eyes rolling. Instead of providing her with a response, he digs in his pocket and hands her the remote to the TV and her eyes light up, a smile forming on her pretty face. His heart aches at the sight. It was such a small action but it was more than enough to validate her feelings.

“Thank you, you’re the best!” she jumped over, throwing her arms around his neck as she embraced him tightly.

His face flushed heavily and tried to seem annoyed to cover it up but the stutter in his voice and the tenseness of his shoulders gave it away. Gage pushed her away with his hand as he groaned quietly, “I get it, don’t need to be so damn happy about it.”

However, she pecked his cheek and he froze instantly, his body paralyzed and his voice raising in embarrassment, “Q-Quit it!”

She giggles and doesn’t take much offense to his words, knowing that he was nothing but a big softie for her. As she released him, she smiled at him happily once more before turning to the TV and putting her show back on.

Gage rubbed the spot where she kissed, his face a deep red as he tried to regain his composure. Suddenly, he pushes down the real reason of why he refused to leave her side for the millionth time, reminding himself that there were several other possibilities other than that.

‘What a damn burden,’ he thinks to himself, desperately trying to fight back his feelings for her, his eyes glued to her gleeful form next to him.

Suddenly, her kiss lingered on his skin a little too long, the feeling of her arms around him marking his skin, and he’s left absolutely horrified, realizing that he could no longer convince himself otherwise.

Maybe accepting it was better than constantly running and Gage thinks it over for a moment but ultimately shakes his head, wanting to do anything but that.

‘Just a stupid thought. Some stupid fucking feelings,’ he settles for that answer but knows deep down that he’s already lost the battle, his heart hammering in his chest.

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everydayyoulovemeless · 21 days

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FO4 companions attempting to give Sole a haircut but they fuck it up really bad? I just got back from a horrible hairdresser visit and I need the cope

Fo4 Companions Accidentally Giving Sole A Bad Haircut

➼ Word Count » 0.8k ➼ Warnings » None ➼ Genre » Platonic/Romantic, Hurt/Comfort? ➼ A/N » It's been a few months since you've requested this so I'm praying you're feeling better now!

You know MacCready messed something up when he begins chuckling nervously, rests a shaky hand on your shoulder, and starts talking way more than usual. He tries to stall you looking in the mirror for as long as possible but, when you eventually do, he’s biting his fist in awkwardness. He won’t lie, this is not his best work, but he never promised perfection. Nevertheless, he feels awful for what he’s done and will let you wear his hat to cover it until it grows back.

Nick will tell you flat out when he messes it up. He'll sigh apologetically, saying he should've just waited to have Ellie cut it or, I don't know, taking you to Kathy and John's Super Salon, right across the street from his agency. He doesn't do anything more to it and takes you straight to the salon to see if you can't salvage it. He feels awful about it, and will never touch your hair again.

Cait knows she isn't going to do a good job with it, but she doesn't tell you that and agrees to cut it anyway. Normally, when she wants to cut her hair, she'll just take any shape object she can get a hold of and start chopping away, and that's exactly what she does with you. She'll sit you down, pull out a pocket knife, and slice whole chunks off at a time. The worst part is that she's got no shame in it.

Preston will gasp quietly and cover his mouth with his hand. He refuses to move and will just stand there, completely still until you ask him what's wrong. He doesn't even know where to begin telling you how badly he's messed up and will instead, just apologize, rest his hands on the back of your shoulders, and rub reassuring circles into them with his thumbs. There are plenty of generals who don't have good hair! Nothing to fret over!

Codsworth will let out a silent 'Oh dear' and turn his buzzsaw off. Eventually, he'll begin reminding you of a separate time when you'd come back from the barber with you're hair all fucked, before explaining that he did exactly that. He tries to be light-hearted about it, but he's just as devastated as you are, possibly even more. He's a Mr. Handy, for Godsake! And he can't even do the basics!

Piper isn't even subtle about it. She'll just immediately begin comparing it to Atomites she's met through investigative journalism. She'll tell you that she's just giving you the 'wasteland special' and you shouldn't feel too upset about it. There are loads of people with this style! So, cheer up! It'll grow back!

Curie doesn't even realize she's messed anything up. In her opinion, any hairstyle any person has looks good. She doesn't quite understand the emotional attachment many people have toward it and just cuts it really short to help with mobility and whatnot. When you explain it to her, however, she starts to feel really guilty and will apologize nonstop.

Strong will just shave you bald. Now you look like him! What's there to be upset over? No support whatsoever from him.

Hancock will also just cut it with his knife, although, he's a lot more sympathetic than Cait. He'll hug you out of remorse and tell you it could be worse. You could be a ghoul and have no hair at all! Look at him! He can't even grow hair anymore so, don't feel too bad about it, alright?

Deacon will immediately fall to the ground in a squat, head in his hands as he simultaneously tries not to laugh or cry. He's cut his own hair so many times before with no issue - he cuts everyone in the Railroad's hair! - and it shatters him to know that he messed up on a craft he thought he perfected. He's supposed to be good at this! After a moment, he'll stand again and find you a wig in his collection for you to keep until your hair grows back. At least now the two of you can be wig buddies? Yay?

X6-88 will hum in defeat when he's messed it up before saying that he told you you should've gone to someone who actually knows how to cut hair. He can't comfort you for shit and probably just blames you for asking for help from someone who can't cut hair.

Old Longfellow knows how to cut hair. So, if he's messed it up, it means he was drunk. But, hey! Now you have a story to tell the folks at The Last Plank! So, he'll take you straight there so you can, hopefully, drink it off and laugh with the other regulars about it. No harm done!

Gage will tell you straight out that he's fucked it up badly, but he's not that concerned with it. If you seem upset, he'll just shrug and tell you it's not as bad as some of the other raiders in this place. If it bothers you that much, though, he'll get you a helmet for you to wear for the time being. It's safer for you anyway.

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fallout4-reacts · 11 months

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How would the companions react to walking in on Sole nude (not in like a sexual way, but like, got a wound on their thigh during a fight and was in the middle of stitching it up in their room with the door closed or something like that)

That raider was ruthless, sneaking around Sole and opening them up like a fish with their bloody, rusted knife. Sole made it through and made it to Sanctuary owing to the stimpacks, but now they has to assess the extent of their injuries and heal themself. Sole totally removed their garments as the enemy drove his blade directly into their ribcage and managed to slide down to the thigh, shocked by the length of the cut. Then they hear footsteps in the corridor...

Cait : She casts a quick glance at Sole before crossing her arms and leans against the doorframe.

"Not bad, I had one like that before. Ya can come back after you're done patching and tell that fool Preston that I'm not going to take care of his stupid tatos. He wants a planter, but I'm too busy with my bat knocking the heads off the raiders trying to take us from behind."

Sole remains stuck for several seconds before regaining the capacity to speak.

"Can you get out of here now?" they ask, their face expressionless.

"What? Are you going to say you're shy? You don't have to; you're hiding a lovely body beneath your armor."

"OUT!"

Codsworth : (OK, not exactly speaking steps) In a nervose movement, his mechanical arms rotate two or three times on themselves. He tries to keep his cool by moving his three eyes in unison towards the corridor.

"Please excuse my untimely disruption, Mum/Sir; I came to inform you that supper will be served tonight in the common room. All of your companions will be present, but if you want, I may arrange a meal for you in your extremely quiet dining room. I understand if you don't feel compelled to... socialize."

Sole smiles at their butler, but he doesn't look at them.

"That's OK, Cods, eh... When... I'm finished, I'll join you in the lounge to discuss this further."

"Definitely!"

And the robot bolted from the room.

Curie : She runs over to inspect the huge wound.

"Oh no! What occurred? How come you didn't provide proper care?"

"That's exactly what I was about to do."

"This lesion requires disinfection and suturing! Just wait for me; I'll collect my equipment!"

Sole would have liked to object, or at the very least inform Curie that it is not appropriate to enter people's bedrooms without their permission because they may be... naked... but the Synth has already gone. Sole, with a pout, casts a glance at... their own health kit.

Danse : If embarrassment could kill him, he would have died right there. His face is absolutely bloodless. Not that he hasn't seen other naked soldiers; intimacy is a very meaningless concept in the field. But Sole, in this situation. He feels as if he has crossed an unbearable line and committed an awful act. He swiftly turns around and makes a motion to exit, but his brain records the second piece of information.

"You are severely injured!"

"It's mostly superficial, but it is."

"Need…help?"

"No, I'm doing just fine on my own."

"Perfect!"

And he's back in the hallway as swiftly as he came. Sole will have to wait until the paladin explains why he came to see them in the first place.

Deacon : (glitch power) As soon as his eyes are drawn to Sole's nude body, a huge wicked smile grows on his lips, and before his friend is able to react, he is in his underwear. Sole is taken aback and takes some time to comprehend what the spy is saying.

"Is this some sort of nudist gathering? Or is this an Adam and Eve celebration?"

"This is MY room, and I am HURT!"

"Oh, yes!"

Deacon is clothed again before Sole can say anything else. The unfortunate vault dweller is fully swept away this time.

"So, let me look at this wound—

"No, get out!"

"Alright, alright. Whatever you desire! But if you ever feel like the planet is spinning much faster than it should, give me a call and I'll be there."

And now he's gone. Sole winks, unsure whether the scene was real or if they have hallucinating.

Dogmeat : He lies on the bed with his head resting on his legs, waiting for Sole to finish.

Elder Maxson : He enters and exits the room. It was a single continuous motion. With no change in expression. When Sole is finished, they dress and proceed to the living room, where they find the Elder in a pretty stiff position. The Elder, on the other hand, constantly stands straight.

"You're done, Knight. I needed the report on supermutant activity near Satellite Station Olivia immediately. Did you finish cleaning everything?"

"Not a single mutant left alive, sir."

"Perfect, perfect, perfect. I'm returning to the Prydwen in order to dispatch the soldiers to retrieve any sensitive data that may be left. I intend you get there as quickly as possible."

"Yes, sir."

"And, Knight..."

"Yes, sir?"

"Please never bring up this unfortunate incident again."

"The satellite station's super mutants?"

"You are fully aware of what I mean. Dismiss."

"This is my living room, sir."

"Perfect, perfect, perfect. Have a nice day."

He walks out of the home, and we can hear the motor of a vertibird in the distance. Sole then allows themselves to burst out laughing.

Hancock : His smile becomes so large that he appears to have much less flesh on his face. Sole's expression is devastation.

"Wow, this is my kind of job!"

"I am hurt!"

"Yes, I see. That's too bad. Need a hand?"

"Definitely not!"

"Well, I'll meet you in the lounge."

Hancock walks back. Sole takes comfort in the fact that, despite his debauchery, Hancock never crosses the line, demonstrating some semblance of... respect...

Gage : He enters the room and doesn't seem to be bothered in the least. He begins casually declaring the report of Nuka-World's behaviours.

"Porter! I’m naked!"

"I saw. But as I was saying about Nisha’s operations—

"I’m naked and I want you to go out immediately."

"All right, Boss."

Sole is still taken aback by the raider's dashing demeanour. But, well, Gage has undoubtedly seen some green ones in his life, and it does make him any more impressed by anything.

MacCready : His expression is stern, as though it were Sole's fault. Sole, for their part, is frozen in place. MacCready makes a hand gesture with a scowl on his face.

"When you're finished—whatever you do—I need your support to recover—

"Get out!"

"Okay, I'll wait in the living room."

When Sole has finished, they proceed to the living room with the intent of reprimanding the mercenary, but he sits quietly on the couch with a broad smile.

"Aside from that, it was a pretty spectacular view. "Not too bad, you know?"

The vault dweller pauses before turning to return to their room. Before they rip their friend's head off, they need to scream into their pillow.

Nick Valentine : The tin can has a swirl function. Sole notices this because as soon as they realise Nick is in the doorframe, they can only see his back.

"God! Pardon! I… I didn’t think. I should have known better. I saw you come in and I wanted to... It's unforgivable, God. Pardon."

"It's fine, Nick, and given how many times you've patched me, it's not like you haven't seen these parts of my body before. It's just that you have the big picture right now."

It makes Nick feel even more uncomfortable. Even though they are over two metres apart, Sole can clearly hear Nick's fans react by kicking in all at the same time. They can't help but chuckle at the scenario, but they have too much respect for the detective to make fun of him.

Piper : A reaction halfway between Danse and Nick."Wow, Blue!" she exclaimed in turning heels. "Sorry! I’ll uh» she’s cut off by her nervous laugh «waiting for you in the living room. Yeah, I’ll just wait for you in the living room. There. Do you have nuka cola in your fridge?"

Preston : He already possesses the grace and stature of a marble statue. He now has the stiffliness. He's not even blinking. He was about to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth. Not even breath, by the way. Sole thinks he could castigate him, but the Colonel's state of stupor is heartbreaking. They stoop, take up their coat, and drape themselves in it. When they speak, they try to employ as calm a tone as possible.

"You wanted to see me, Preston?"

"See... you? NO! Well, uh... you mean like in the expression? Okay, as stated in the expression. Okay. Yes, I was hoping to see you. But not you! I mean, I saw you, I couldn't deny it. I saw you! It’s awful! No! I mean, you're not awful! I regret! I'm truly sorry! I should have made a signal or knocked on the door—

"Breathe!"

Sole crosses their arms, unsure whether to laughs or be annoyed by this situation. It's the first time they've seen the man in such a nervous state. They decide to take a humoros approach.

"I don't even have a door to knock on. It's all right, Preston; I understand your discomfort and that you don't mean anything."

"Of course not! I am forever thankful to you for understanding me. I mean, to grasp the situation as it is. I'll be in the living room waiting for you."

"Does a settlement need my help?"

"Yes!"

"My pip-boy is sitting on the table. Put it on the map, and I'll get to there as soon as I can."

"Thank you!"

The man exits the room without further questioning. Sole locates the small community on their map, but they don't see their Colonel again for the rest of the day. As if he was trying to avoid them...

Strong : The super-mutant frown.

“Puny human should wear armor.”

“Puny human is in their ROOM and you GO OUT!”

“Puny human stupid. Puny human should never let their guard down.”

“GET OUT!”

“Strong get out, but Strong wants to know when human and Strong are going to get the Milk of Human Kindness.”

“GET OUT!”

X6-88 : Hands behind back, straight, and unimpressed.

"Ma'am/Sir, it is not appropriate to deal with such an injury without the expertise of the Institute's doctors."

"X6? Could you just leave my room right away?"

The Courser executes, but only for a few steps in the hallway.

"I reiterate my recommendation that you be taken in to one of the Institute's physicians for a professional body examination."

"Get the fuck away!"

"There is no need to get carried away and use vernacular. Unlike the way you handled the damage you caused yourself on your last assignment, my advice are perfectly adequate."

"I'm perfectly capable of handling the damage I've done to myself, and if you don't want me to do any damage to you, I recommend you take the Sanctuary Grand Tour right now!"

X6 obeys without fully comprehending why the future director places themselves in such a state.

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danses-with-dogmeat · 1 year

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I love love love how you write! The little details you add into your reacts are amazing <3 I was hoping to ask if you haven't done so yet, what would the romanced companions say in their own version of the "Hi Honey" holo tape? It could be them making their own tape for any reason or to replace the one the SoSu's spouse made becuase it was destroyed or buried with them, it doesnt matter, just thought that would help the angst/comfort factor 😅 have a good day, love <3

Fallout 4 Companions' Versions of the "Hi, Honey" Tape

Okay, I adore this <3

It's a.... bit more angsty than I meant it to be, but it's all happy and fluffy underneath, so, you know... kinda my forte 😅 And also some of them are... more romanced than others, as you'll see, so just a heads up on that. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

Also, I tried kind of a different format for this one, almost like you're reading the subtitles/script for the holotape, so hopefully the unique format makes this one interesting 😁

Oh, and just a quick TW for mention of suicidal thoughts/actions!

Cait:

"Oi, ya fucking-- Does this damn thing even work?"

*exasperated noise*

"Alright. There, I think that's done it."

*muffled adjusting*

"Okay."

*sigh*

"Hey. Sole... I uh, I don't really know how to tell ya everything I'd like to... Before I go through with this, you know. I'm not sure what's goin te happen, but I wanted you to know one thing before I go inte that machine, since... I don't know, I might not come back out as meself. Or, or even at all."

*deep breath*

"I just, in case somethin' happens, I want ya te know..."

(pause)

"I love ya."

*short chuckle*

"I know, sounds strange comin' from me, I'm sure, but... It's the truth. I do, and I have, for a bit, but... I'm not really sure why it took me this long te tell ya. Maybe cuz I was scared. Scared that I'd scare ya away."

*Huff of breath*

"Me? Scared? I know how it sounds, trust me, but it's true. I was... worried about losin' ya. Cuz, truth is, Sole, yer the first person who actually seems to give a damn what happens te me. You know this, I've told ya, I know, but even me own damn parents didn't give a shite about me. An' the ghoul, well, he only ever considered what I could do for him. Knew how to keep me hooked, to keep makin' him money. But you... I had my doubts, I'll be the first to admit, but... You've looked out fer me better than anyone, and you did from the start, with nothin' to gain by doin' so."

(pause)

"I don't know why ye did it. Almost scared me off, the thought of someone bein kind te me fer no reason at all. Thought you were gonna end up worse than all the rest, because there was no way you were just bein' that nice with nothin' te gain from it. But I was wrong. And I've never been so damn glad te be wrong in me whole life."

(pause)

*Deep breath*

"An' I want ye t'know one more thing... I knew about this machine. I knew about it a bit ago. I could've gone with someone else, could've gone on me own, even. Maybe I wouldn't have made it out alive, but it didn't really matter te me at the time. And neither did gettin' clean. I told you I'd been trying to get sober for awhile, but nothin' was workin', and that wasn't a lie, but... Before you, I didn't really want te get clean. There was just..."

(pause)

"There was no point to it. Get clean fer what? I didn't want to feel anythin'. Well, anythin' but the rush of psycho. Couldn't feel anything if I was off it, I was so damn numb to the whole world... But you... you changed that. Somewhere along the way, when I was with you, I felt... somethin' else. I want te feel that again, but I want te feel it all. No psycho, no nothin'. Just you. And I'm hopin' you feel the same, but if you don't... It doesn't matter too much. I just... I wanted you te know."

(pause)

*huff of air*

"So there. I said what I meant to. You heard it. An' whether or not ye feel the same, I... I just hope it means somethin' to ya."

*click*

Curie:

"My love! Look at what I 'ave found! Or... Listen to it, rather."

*giggling*

"But isn't zhis wonderful? I can now tell you 'ow much I love you! Zhough, I do suppose I say it quite often... Still, what better day zhan zhis? I know zhere are many who no longer observe zhis holiday, but it is our first one together and I wanted to do something special. I thought of many possible zhings to gift you, since I feel as zhough I simply could not give you enough!"

*laughter*

"But zhen... I settled on zhis idea... I want you to listen to zhis recording, any time you are not feeling at your best, when I am not around to help you, or whenever else you feel like it, even when I am in zhe room next to you, you will have zhis at your disposal."

"I just want you to know 'ow much I care for you. You are zhe one who saved me, who made me not feel so alone in zhis new world, who helped me not to be afraid. I was afraid, mon amour, you remember. I was afraid to go out on my own, so you stayed close to my side, I was afraid I could never follow my dreams, zhat I could not become who I am today, afraid I would never be able to be with you, to feel all zhat I do when you are near and beside me. I would not be myself without you, I would still be in zhat 'orrible vault, would still be afraid and alone..."

(pause)

"But I am not, and it is thanks to you. You are... zhe most beautiful person I have ever come into contact with. The kindest, the most loving, zhe gentlest, and you are zhe one I love, when I did not know I was capable of such feeling! You made it so, my lovely Sole, and I could not be more grateful to share all zhese new-- all zhese so very human experiences with you. I love you, vers la lune et retour."

*giggles*

"It is amazing zhat I can say such things and mean zhem! I had heard about love, had read about it, and knew of zhe chemicals and such, but to feel it, to say zhese things, to know why I'm saying zhem, who is making me feel zhem, it is a wonderful feeling, mon cheri/e."

(pause)

"Oh!"

*shuffling paper noises*

"And I almost forgot! Comme c'est drôle de moi... I have a poem to read to you! It is one I read from a novel long ago, I had to dig to find it, to make sure it was correct. I did not understand it zhen, not as much as I do now, but now, it is all zhe more beautiful."

*clears throat*

"Je dédie à tes pleurs, à ton sourire,

Mes plus douces pensées,

Celle que je te dis, celles aussi

Qui demeurent imprécisées

Et trop profondes pour les dire"

"I can translate as well! Do not worry! It just sounds so belle en François. What it means is, zhat I dedicate my sweetest thoughts to both your tears and your smiles, all of my thoughts, zhe ones zhat I say to you, and zhe ones I 'ave no words for, zhat are too imprecise. Even zhose thoughts zhat are so deep zhat you cannot say zhem aloud, even zhose go to you, mon amour. I dedicate so much to you, because you 'ave given me so very much since zhe day you and I met. It does seem rather small in comparison, just zhis little poem, after all you 'ave done, but it is zhe truth. I love you so much, my Sole. 'Appy Valentines day."

"Love, Curie."

Danse:

*clears throat*

"I know I'm not very good at these sort of talks in person, and... I'm honestly not sure it'll be any better through this tape. But I feel like I have to try."

"I'm... Well, let me just preface this by saying that I'm sorry for what happened today. You weren't meant to... Well, let's just say that I should've thrown that tape recording away a long time ago. That same day that I recorded it, even. And if it's any consolation, I never paid the contents of it any further mind after our talk at the Bunker. When I think of it now, I..."

*deep sigh*

"Knowing what I do now, what was to come... I can't believe I would've just... Just ended it."

(pause)

"Everything was so jumbled then. After I found out what I was, I felt so lost. My existence, without the Brotherhood, it felt so... purposeless. The words on that tape... they just helped me get everything off my mind. Helped me feel like there was a way out of all that uncertainty, as rash as it may seem in hindsight."

"Then you appeared below the surface. Even with all my defenses... I don't even know why I put them up, if I was just planning to...

*sigh*

"It's not a day I like to remember."

"You are what made it bearable. Not just that day, not just my... whole self discovery, but everything. Without you, I wouldn't have only been dead, but I would have been lost. Everything I truly believe in, all that I've worked for... I felt like less than nothing when it was all stripped away. Along with my identity. My personhood. But these past couple years... you've built me up again. You've made me into something-- someone I can be proud of. Helped me make the difference I thought could only be achieved through the Brotherhood, and I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you for all that you've given me."

"My life, my belief in myself, the courage to move on when I felt I had nothing, that I was nothing... But I was wrong. I was always wrong. I never had nothing, not even on my darkest days, when I wished beyond reason that I could crawl out of my own synthetic skin. Even on those days, I still had you."

"The day that you confessed your feelings to me was the first day that I began to question a few of the core beliefs of the Brotherhood. With the overwhelming strength and certainty of my own feelings for you, I wondered how the Brotherhood could ever consider me-- my kind, to be soulless abominations. Every day my feelings of fondness for you grow stronger, and every day I stray away from the belief that I'm nothing but a mere machine. I never could've done that without you."

"Ever since the day I met you, I've felt like... somehow, our fates have been tied to one another. Like I was always meant to know you. And it might be strange, to phrase it that way, to think that some... higher power pulled the strings in such a way to ensure our meeting, our friendship, o-our love, but if it hadn't turned out that way... that tape I made would be in the Brotherhood archives, and I would be..."

*exhale*

"I just hope that my presence in your life has yielded even a fraction of the happiness, security and support that you provide me with. If so, it'll all have been worth it."

"I hope what I said on this tape doesn't make you uncomfortable, I-I know the subject matter is quite upsetting, but if I can offer further consolation, the tape in question no longer exists. I erased it, in favor of this message. I thought it would be... symbolic. The way our love for one another, and my dedication to you has erased the negative feelings I had for myself, that almost drove me to complete ruin. I apologize again for what you heard on that tape, and it pains me to know you felt guilt for not being able to do more after my... self discovery. The truth is, Sole, you were the only thing standing between me and the ending that that tape promised for my life, and I could never find a way to thank you for all that you've done for me."

"I love you, Sole. More than I thought could ever be possible, even before finding out that I was a synth."

(pause)

*clears throat*

"Anyway, that was what I felt I had to say. I know it was long winded, and I... well, I never know quite how to end these conversations, but I suppose it's worth saying it again. Thank you, Sole. For giving me my life back. The rest of it belongs to you."

Deacon:

"Csssshhhhk this is your captain speaking, yeah, we're gonna be traveling at around fifty eight thousand feet in a minute here, so just wanted to tell you to get comfortable, drop those trays, get out those peanuts, oxygen masks, space suits, and--"

*muffled laughter*

"No, but anyway... Hey Sole, it's ah, it's me. You're favorite crimefighting deathbunny, and partner in all things inappropriate. I... just wanted to make this... I know we don't have the same type of job security or workers' compensation from before the big booms, so just y'know, like an insurance policy, especially now that there's all this added paperwork with our little developing relationship status, it just felt important, y'know? Another record to dust off one day. And... I wanted to be sure you could always have a way to hear my lovely voice, my bad jokes, my flawless singing, you know, just in case... I know how much you'd miss it."

*sighs*

"Look, I... I know it hasn't always been easy, everything you've been through, to add all my problems to the pile. The trust issues, the compulsive lying, those pesky little intimacy problems that make things extra fun, and... I could go on, but I'm afraid the tape would run out of space."

"I guess, what I'm trying to say is... Thanks. Sole. You're everything I needed and never deserved or expected. I had this plan, this idea of what the rest of my life would be like, and you just--"

*breaks into laughter*

"You just waltzed right into those catacombs and blew those ideas to smithereens. Shot 'em down with your charm and your selflessness and good looks, and man... I didn't stand a chance. I can't believe you chose me. You coulda had anybody. Even Carrington, if you kept at it, but you chose to love me, even with how... difficult it must've been-- must be..."

"I still don't know why you did it, but I've never been more grateful in my life. You're my partner in crime, my fellow deathbunny, my bestie, and now you're my husband/wife?! ... It's crazy. Crazy awesome, and I... I never thought I'd tread that kind of path again, not with anyone, and I wouldn't have... if it weren't for you."

"Ahh, you. You're just... The best, and I love you. I know I don't say it enough, and when I do, I don't sound serious. But no matter how uncomfy it makes me feel to say it aloud, it's true. I love you, Sole."

(pause)

"But alright, bestie, I've gotta go. I'm about to have the best sleepover of my life, with this awesome person, I'm sure you know them, and I'm really feeling like I'm gonna get lucky. You can't see it, but I just winked at you. Anyways, wish me luck, and I'll... I'll see you in the field."

"Deathbunny out."

Gage:

“Hiya there boss… It’s…”

*under his breath* “I hope this damn thing is even recording.”

*snorts*

“But, it’s me. Jus’ wanted to say some stuff…"

*sighs*

“Look, it’s tough for me, I’m sure you know it more than most, but, it’s tough for me to reach out like this. I never… Well, you know this too Sole, but, I never done this sorta thing before. With the relationship and the… I don’t know, man, the arguments. Before, well, fights like this usually meant the end of things, but you said that ain’t how it’s supposed to be. We’re supposed to work through this shit, somehow, and so I… I guess I figured I’d start with this.”

*deep breath*

“I’m sorry. Sole. There, okay? I’m sorry for bein’ an asshole, for not givin’ you enough credit, not remembering that yer new to this whole raider thing, this whole Overboss thing. And that… well, you’ve probably never been with someone like me before. I sure as hell’ve never been with somebody like you, but… What can I say? It’s hard to find folks like you out here anyhow. You’re your own breed, boss. And that’s far from a bad thing. Jus’... Well, you know me. If you’re your own breed, I’m a goddamn mutt. I’m rough around the edges, not used to tryin’ to make things work. I’ve solved a hell of a lot more problems with my knife than I have with my words, but… I wanna… Well, I wanna make things work this time ‘round, boss… Sole… I mean, you know how I feel about ya, and I… I ain’t never had anything like this, and I just don’t know how I got along so long without you, cuz… Well, Sole, cuz you just make everything better.”

(pause)

“I mean… my life’s not worth a whole lot, that ain’t no mystery or nothin’, but when yer in it… It feels like somethin’ worth having. Not like the rest of my life, oh… stumblin’ around looking for scraps of quick fixes that could make me forget how little my life really means, but… having something worth holding onto, worth bein’ around for… that’s what it’s like with you.”

*dry chuckle*

“And to think, I was stupid enough to think that one little argument was worth losing all this over. Worth losing the only thing in my life that really makes it worthwhile. Cuz that’s what you are, baby. That’s what you are to me. Even though I don’t say it a whole lot… It don’t mean that I… That I don’t mean it, you know?”

*sigh*

“I can’t be the easiest to get along with, I’m sure. I’m so damn hard-headed most of the time, and I always act like I know what I’m talking about, which… Well, you know that usually ain’t the truth.”

*chuckles*

“But somehow you got the patience for all this. All my shit. And… I may not always be the sharpest knife in the drawer, or whatever the saying is, but I know what I got with you. I know what you’re worth, baby, and it’s more than I got, and I know you bein’ with me at all is a charity, but… Well dammit, I hope I got some worth to you too, cuz I just… I need you now, Sole. I wanna be worth the headache and the patience, and I wanna work through the fights and learn how to make it up to you. I never had this before… I never felt this way about no one. I don’t wanna lose it. I can’t… lose you. Things jus’, well, they just wouldn’t be the same…”

*deep sigh*

“I know I’m going ‘round in circles a bit here, but you know apologies ain’t really my strong suit. An’ neither is all this mushy stuff, but I’m trying all right? I’m trying for you. And I’m gonna keep on doing that until you tell me you can’t stand it no more. It’s just the kinda reckless, hard-headed, stubborn fool I am, Sole. Gonna keep telling you how you changed it all for me, how you’re so damn incredible it makes my chest hurt, how I… Well dammit. Guess I’ve gotta say it now, huh? Look, there. You did it boss, you got it out of me. Damn near slipped out before I could even catch it too. Nasty little words, but… It’s never been truer. I love you Sole.”

(pause)

*comical sigh*

“And while we’re at it, might as well say I’m sorry again, too. There. You got both outta me. Got it all. There’s nothing left for you to take, baby, all my cards just out on the table like that and I forgot how to fucking bluff.”

*soft chuckle*

“Nah, but… I mean it, Sole. I ain’t nothin’ without you. Next time we fight, just pull this shit outta your pocket and I’ll shut right up, I promise. And… If I’m ever not sayin’ all that… All that I should, if I’m being an ass like I do sometimes, just listen to this while I’m off sulkin’ somewhere. Cuz it’s true. It’s all true, and no amount of me bein’ pissy or stubborn is gonna change that... Is gonna change the fact that… Well, dammit, I do, I love you, Sole.”

(pause)

“Greedy bastard, you’ve gotten it outta me twice now, so you should be all caught up for awhile… Just don’t use it against me too often, okay? Don’t abuse this shit, or you definitely ain’t gonna hear it as much, I’ll tell ya that.”

*chuckles*

“Alright, don’t know when this thing is gonna run outta tape, but it’s bound to be close. I’ll, ah, I’ll see ya soon, baby.”

*click*

Hancock:

"Heya, Sunshine. It's, ah, it's me. I know it hasn't been all that long since we've seen each other, and I know you're busy. Hard being the hero all the time, hard being the best person there is in the Commonwealth, I get it. But I wanted to tell ya, that... I miss you. I miss you when we're not together, from the moment I see you leave through the Goodneighbor gate, I'm already turning to tell you how much I'm gonna miss you, before I realize that you're gone. That's how bad it is, sweetheart, I-I talk to you even when you're not here."

*chuckles*

"Maybe it's cuz I'm a little nuts, or something, I don't know. Either way though, when I'm alone like this, jus'... thinking about you, I wish I had a way to hear that pretty voice o' yours. So, I thought we could make somethin' like this. Just a reminder, that I'm thinkin' about ya, I'm wishin' you were here, even though I know it's important that you're away."

*sighs*

"Still doesn't change that I want you back here by my side. Or to be out there with you. Kickin' ass. Making a difference. Watchin' you in action, if you know what I mean, heh. Yeah."

(pause)

"Damn this hurts. I get it. I do. I know you have to be out there. I know I can't go everywhere with you all the time, an' I don't mean to make you feel bad, baby, not at all. Jus' want you to know. Know how much it affects me when you're not here."

*sniffles*

*forced chuckle*

"Fahrenheit even notices. Says I'm no fun when you're not around anymore. She's had to drag me outta bed a few times this week... Yeah."

*shaky breath*

"Sorry 'bout this, Sunshine. Sorry if it doesn't make much sense. Brain's kinda foggy right now. I don't mean to make ya feel bad, you know? Jus'... just wanted you to know."

(pause)

"Shit, already said that, huh? Damn, it's just, it's true. I miss you, I love you, baby, and I want you with me all the time."

*muffled* "Oh Jesus. What are you doing?"

"Nothin,' Fare, go on."

*Fahrenheit* "Who are you talking to?"

"Sole. Now go on. Not done yet."

*Fahrenheit* "Sole? Hancock, Sole's not--"

"I know. Leaving a message for 'em. When they are here."

*sigh*

*door closing*

"Jesus. See? Goin' crazy over here, with her hoverin' over me. Need you, baby."

"Now... what was I sayin'?"

*laughter*

"Sorry it's so all over the place. This is what you do to me."

*a breath*

"There's just one thing I'm gonna ask from you, baby. You can go, I know you've gotta sometimes, just... come back. Alright, Sunshine? Come back to me. Do what you gotta do, but just know, now, that I've got you. You're part of the package. The coat, the hat, my whole look, the talk, my title, everything that makes me, me, now you're in that. I can't--"

*sniffles*

"I can't be without ya. Not for good, ya hear? So all I gotta know, is that you're gonna come back to me. Just... Try and think about that when you're out there on your own. Don't take the risk if you don't have to. You're good, baby. The most selfless person I ever met, and I love that about you, but... don't make the sacrifice, okay? I know I'm bein' selfish, but I ain't a saint like you, so I'd say it's pretty on-brand."

*soft chuckle*

"Just don't... Jus' come back to me. That's all I'm saying. It's all I need, okay, baby? Just need you..."

*sigh*

"Think I should probably let you go now, huh? So you can get back to bein' a badass, an' all that. Just one more thing though, before you set this tape aside... I love you, Sole. Just need you to know that, if you haven't listened to anything else on this tape, just know that. I love you, and... I'll see you soon."

MacCready:

"Geeze I hope this thing works..."

*fiddling noises*

"How do you even know if it's recording? Is that...? Hmm."

(pause)

"Okay. Well, here goes nothing."

*Clears throat*

"Hey, Sole. I, ah, I hope this works, because I've got a few things I wanted to... um, say. Wow, geeze, really off to a good start here, huh? I just hope this dang thing is even recording."

*chuckle*

"But if it is... Well, I just wanted to say... thanks."

*soft sigh*

"Truth is, I wouldn't even be doing this if it weren't for you. Maybe one day, yeah, it was always the plan to go back to Duncan, to be with him, but... I never thought I'd be bringing him back to a family. It was... one of the reasons I think I was putting it off. I mean, what do I have to offer? As a dad I-I'm doing my best, but... Is it enough? Will he be lonely with just me? Can I look after him as well as I want to, as well as he deserves? Is he going to be happy, with just me? And maybe he was, and I worried for nothing, but... With you, the decision was so much easier. And..."

*deep breath*

"Well, without your help, I... I might not even have been able to ask those questions. Duncan might not have... You know."

(pause)

"But you helped me. Even when you barely even knew me."

*laughter*

"I didn't think there was anyone like you out there, who would just help me, and not expect anything in return, I didn't think I'd ever find someone out there worthwhile. I mean, after the Gunners, well, they made it hard to see the good in the world, and even when I met you, I know I was... Well, I was a bit of an ass, huh?"

*chuckles*

"But that didn't seem to phase you. No... I don't think anything I could've done would have scared you away for good, once you saw how badly I needed you."

"And that's why I love you so much, Sole. You put other people before you, and you don't expect a damn thing in return, and it's so... Gosh, it's so weird that you do that, I've never met anyone like that, and I've never met anyone like you, and I didn't think, honestly... I never thought I'd be able to fall for someone again, after everything, but... I never saw you coming. And I mean... I'm a sniper. So I've got good eyes, you know."

*breaks into laughter*

"Sorry for that one. Sort of. But I can see that face, without you even being here, I can see that amused but... disappointed look you give me when I make those bad jokes. Those 'dad jokes' as you call them."

*more chuckling*

"I love you so much, baby. I didn't think I'd ever be able to say those words again. To say those words and-and mean them, but I can. And... I know you felt the same way, about loving again, after everything you've lost, but... I'm glad you found me. In that dingy old underground bar, where I almost got my butt whooped by those Gunner clowns, where I was spending all my hard-earned caps trying to drown out my problems... You pulled me out of that, and probably saved my life... No, you did save it, cuz without you, if I'd lost Duncan too, I just... Yeah, I wouldn't have been able to go on much longer if I didn't have him. If I didn't have you."

*sniffs*

"But he's going to be..."

*laughs*

"Just so excited to meet you, I mean, I've told you about him, he's just so adventurous and playful, and even when he couldn't talk at all, he loved meeting new people, and he's- god, he's gonna love you. And I'm gonna have my work cut out for me, cuz, I mean... you think I'm cute? Just wait, I mean, I'm never gonna see you again, you're just gonna want to run off with him and leave me behind, I mean-- his eyes, Sole, they're so blue, and his little cheeks, and gosh, there's nothing I love more than him... than you, too, and the thought of you two together? Heck, I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself, I'm not going to be able to handle it all. To handle... for the first time in so long, being actually... happy. Being part of a family again..."

*exhale*

"You know... I think you know that it... It makes me nervous. To be so happy. To have so much to lose, but... I know that you know what that's like. And I just- I just can't wait for us all to be a part of it. No matter how scary it is, or how strange it'll feel to have it again, to have a family, but have it be different, but... I'm so glad it's with you. And I just... I can't wait to see you, baby. Can't wait for you to see him."

*a breath*

"Just promise me... promise me you won't... leave."

*sniffs*

"...That you won't run off with Duncan and leave me behind. I promise, there's enough of him for both of us i-if we ration, you know?"

*teary laughter*

"We can share him, just... Just stay safe, for me, Sole, okay? I don't want-- I can't lose... I just... can't do this alone."

*deep breath*

"But, ah, anyway, I'll see you soon, okay Sole? I'll see you when I-- when we get back. I love you, and the next time we're together... we'll be a proper family."

Nick:

"Hey there, Sole. It's ah, it's your Nick here. Just wanted to make somethin' for ya, to help get you through these next few... days, maybe. I know this isn't gonna be easy, but I want you to know, I'm proud of you. You did it. You made it where no one thought you ever could, and hopefully, it pays off."

*low sigh*

"God, I hope it does. If there's anyone out there who deserves it, it's you. But we both know it doesn't always work that way..."

*exhale*

"No matter what happens in there though, I'm here for you. Always, alright? I don't mean that lightly, Sole. I've helped you come this far... even when it really didn't seem like you needed my help."

*chuckle*

"I mean it was you who saved me first, right?"

*more laughter*

*small sigh*

"Anyway, guess what I'm really saying here, Sole, is that... I want it to go right. I want you to find your boy, I want you, more than anything, to be happy. You've been through so much, more than anyone should have to go through, and I want you to be able to rest, to have the family you wanted, that you deserve, or, part of that family, at least. You're one of the best damn people I've met in all my years, and no matter how this all goes, I'll be by your side to help you face it."

(pause)

"You know... I'm not really sure why you picked me, if I'm honest, Sole. I'm just a rusty old synth, but... I'm a rusty old synth who's... in love with you. Who wants, more than most anything, for you to just be happy. And if I can have some part in making that happen, well, then I guess I shouldn't really question it, huh? But who am I kidding? I'm a detective, it's in my nature to question unlikely things."

*small chuckle*

"Well, guess I've rambled on here quite a bit, but I wanted you to have something. For when you're in there, so you remember that you're not alone. You've got good friends out here, so many people who care about you, who are rootin' for ya. Me, most of all. No matter what happens, we're all proud of how far you've come. No one even thought this would be possible, but since the day I met you, I've been realizing that the word 'impossible' really isn't in your vocabulary, huh? Who would've thought some pre-war vaulty would get as far as you did? Well, you did, and you really showed anyone who thought differently. It's one of the, oh, couple dozen or so things I love about you, darling. You always show those that need showing, always right the wrongs around you, even when some would argue it ain't your business. But you show those folks too, don't ya?"

*chuckles*

"You're just a whole lotta something, there, Sole. I never met anyone like ya, and there's no one else I could think of who could get through everything you've survived. You'll get through this too, I know it. And... I don't know, maybe I'm just losin' a few screws or something, but I believe you're gonna find your boy in there... But no matter what happens in the Institute, just know you got people out here waitin' for ya. Wishin' ya the best. Wishin' for ya to make it back home to us. We all love ya, Sole. And me? I love ya most of all."

"Yours, Nick."

Piper:

"Come on, come onnnn."

*Nat speaking indiscernably*

"That did it? You think?"

*Nat* "Yes."

"Oh. Okay. Geesh, this is why I just wanted to write a letter or something, but Nat said I should... cuz of the tape that you lost, and what it meant to you, and hearing my voice and-- Geeze, already rambling. So unlike me, huh?"

*laughter*

"Uh, anyways, um... Hey. Blue."

*more laughter*

"Who let me do this? This is awful. I wanna just talk straight to you, you know? See that cute little face of yours, that embarrassed smile with the way your eyes crinkle. The face you're probably making right now. Eh? Did I getcha? Are you making that face? Bet you are."

*giggling*

"I guess I know you pretty well by now, huh? Four years, Blue. Four! I don't know how I've put up with you all that time, but also, I... I don't really know what I would've done without you. That day we met... I think back on it all the time. How perfect everything had to be for us to meet like that, to get that great first impression. It always makes me laugh, the way we still give Danny a hard time about it, blaming him whenever we have those silly little arguments, just so we can't blame each other. I wonder if other couples do that? If they have a sort of scapegoat for their silly little..."

(pause)

"Okay, yeah, getting off topic. The reason I made this, well, this tape recording, that I wanted to be a note, that I probably could've just said straight to your face, was so I could just say... thanks. I know I tell you a lot how much you mean to me, but, I also think you always need to hear it. You've been through so much, lived through multiple lifetimes... you really were-- and are, the story of the century, Blue. You're incredible, and strong, and goofy, and absolutely adorable, if I do say so myself."

*giggles*

"Ahem, anyways, um... Where was I?... Oh! Yeah, you're..."

*quick breath*

"You're a great leader, and you could do anything you set your mind to, I mean really, once you've lived over two hundred years, learned how to fight giant monster lizards, how to cure super mutants, travel through someone's brain, and even teleport, I think the sky is hardly the limit."

*more soft laughter*

"Yeah... I knew I'd get just a little off topic, but when it all comes down to it, there's really only one thing you need to know, Blue."

"I love you. And I'm so grateful to have you in my life and as my partner in everything, and though these past few years have been like... the best of my life, I think the future holds a lot for us. Keep being strong, keep being you, and I'll be right here, cheering you on, loving you. Like I have from the start."

(pause)

"Oh, and Nat'll be here too. Rolling her eyes. Scrunching her face when we kiss in front of her and pretending to barf, but... she'll be loving you too. Won't you, sis?"

*Noncommittal noise*

"See? She agrees. Love ya, Blue. See you soon."

(pause)

*whispered* "Which one do I press to stop it? Which one? Oh. Oh, okay, I see--"

*click*

Preston:

"Sole? Hey. It's Preston."

*light chuckle*

"But you could probably guess that, huh? Yeah, well, I just wanted to say a few things. So you have them, so we do, for later, and everything... I'm just... Where to even start with you?"

*a breath*

"You're just... so amazing. You have been, since the day I met you, and every day since. You've taken everything the Commonwealth throws at you, and you've turned it into something beautiful. Something we can help grow, help to make this world a better place. And... you've given me hope."

*light laughter*

"It sounds so simplified when I put it like that, but it's not."

*soft sigh*

"I had no hope, before I met you. It was gone, and I just felt... hollow, but now I see all of the amazing possibilities for the world, for you and me, and the Minutemen. I never would've made it this far without you, and what we're doing now? This big adventure we're taking together? I know... I know you've been there before. That you... had a family before, and I know the way it turned out, and I can't imagine how difficult it is to look past that, and to try again. But... I want you to know I'm here for you. I always will be, just like you were there for me, when I needed you most."

"I want this for us, and you're... God, Sole, you're just so strong to want this too, so brave, and selfless, and-- and you just see the possibilities in life and you go for them, and I love that about you."

"Even just saying all this, it has me smiling from ear to ear. Just thinking about you does that to me, babe. I couldn't tell you the last time I smiled like this before I met you. I don't think I even could, to tell you the truth, but now... I mean, my cheeks hurt. Just thinking about seeing you after this mission, thinking about our talk, about us... settling down... Yeah, it's gonna be tough. Like you said, it's hard to get me to stay in one place, but you like to wander a whole lot too, you know."

*laughing*

"But I don't think I've been more ready, more excited for anything in my life. I love you so much, I almost can't believe it sometimes, but then I see you, and I... Well, I can believe it, because you're just that good. That perfect, that kind and loving, and selfless, and I just can't believe that out of all the other people in this world, I was lucky enough to meet you, and somehow, you wanted to be with me too."

(pause)

"I think I might've told you this already. At least once, but just in case, I'm gonna tell you again... Sole. I loved you from the moment I saw you. I... I couldn't believe it."

*laughter*

"I thought it was crazy, thought I lost my mind or something, but it was true. As soon as you came into my life, I was ready to pledge mine to you. I-I was in love. And as unbelievable as it seemed at the time, so soon after meeting you, that's never changed. And I'm betting that it never will."

"I love you, Sole. So much, and I can't wait to see you back here, and I can't wait to make that pledge all over again, can't wait to start our family, and... And god, I'm so excited to see you, I can't even sit still, I just--"

*muffled voice*

"What? Now?"

*sound of confirmation*

"Already? But I thought--"

*Annoyed sound getting further away*

"No, hold on, I'm coming!"

"Sturges says you're here."

"You're... you're home. You're home early..."

*disbelieving laughter*

"I'm gonna go and see you. Now. Right now, I've gotta--"

*muffled rustling noise*

"I'm gonna go. Sort of. I love you Sole, see you soon!"

X6-88:

"Sole... Ma'am/Sir. This is X6-88. I..."

*small sigh*

"I would like to extend my condolences to you. Your son... I wish you could have known him as I did. As so many of us did, as you never had the chance to. It is unfortunate, but... What I said, before, when I told you that I believe in you... It was not a lie, sir/ma'am. I do believe, fully, that you are meant to take his place, that you will do incredible things for The Institute."

"To be honest, I'm not sure why I felt the urge to record this message for you, but... Perhaps it's because I feel... that you should be able to hear this, to listen to this tape if ever you feel... inadequate, or... alone. You are neither, sir/ma'am, I assure you."

(pause)

"And I also... I know what it's like. To feel that way."

"Perfection is something that's required in every unit that is created to be a courser. It's something hardwired into us, and so is our aptitude for solitude, and yet... Either there is great fault with my programming, or you were enough to bypass all of it altogether. I've never felt less... Well, perhaps not less perfect, but I've never felt... more..."

*quietly*

"Human, than when I'm with you."

"It is not by my own conscious decision, but all of my defenses seem to lower when you are at my side. I've spoken so outwardly with you, I've... laughed, which is something I never knew I was capable of doing. I've come to despise being alone completely. Or... perhaps not alone, but more... without you. It makes my chest feel tight, and my thoughts wander to your safety whenever I'm not by your side. I'm not... I'm not quite sure why I feel so differently about you than I do anyone else I've met, why you elicit these reactions and thoughts, but I do know that they are enough for me to believe you are... exceptional."

*soft exhale*

"There is no one more capable, or better suited to leading us. No one who has had the influence over me that you do. Not Ayo, not Father, not even the... infuriatingly endearing young Shaun."

*short laugh*

"None of them... and yet you, from the beginning, have surprised me. Your prowess in combat, your amusing commentary, your strange empathy and searing wit... It all took me by surprise. Which isn't easy, I'll have you know. I'm a courser after all."

*muted chuckle*

(pause)

"I'm a courser... And yet, you've always treated me like an... an equal. Not a machine, or a weapon, not something to fear or to order around without regard for my own preferences, my own... conscience. It's something I never thought that I would find to be a virtue. Not something that's ever mattered to me, and yet, now... Now anyone who's not you, everyone here who disregards me the way they always have... It tries my patience."

(pause)

"I blame you, for that, sir/ma'am. But also I'm... Thankful to you. I'm... glad I've been able to accompany you in your travels, that I've been able to guide you in your new time in this world, I feel privileged that I've been able to witness your transformation, that I've gotten to know you, after all this time, and I... I want you to know that I'm here for you. Now, as you grieve the loss of your son, and in the future, as you take on your new responsibilities as the leader of The Institute. I will be here, by your side. To protect you, to help you, to amuse you, even, if that's what you require from me, since I often seem to do so without realizing it."

*soft exhale*

"I want the best for you, Sole. I want you to feel safe, I want you to be... happy. It's not something I'm used to... wanting these things for another, but as always, you are the exception. If you need anything from me, if you want anything, I will be here. For you, Sole."

"Sincerely, X6."

571 notes · View notes

goodneighborxfallout · 6 months

Note

companions react to sole breaking down crying in their arms

A/N: A lot of these boil down to "they try to comfort you," so apologies for not being very creative.

Cait:

Not-romanced: Cait will be surprised and feel awkward about the situation. Every instinct in her body is telling her to push you away and give a rude remark, but you are friends, and you have always been there for her when she needs you, so she sucks it up and hugs you. It takes her a few minutes to ask you what’s wrong, and she cringes internally at the heartfelt gesture because it is so foreign to her.

Romanced: So surprised that she can’t even think about what would be weird and what would be good to do or say. She just reacts on instinct. Luckily for Sole, her instinct around them is to protect them, not herself. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” She’ll be curious and worried, but won’t push you into telling her anything.

Codsworth: (since it’s impossible or at least really awkward to hug Codsworth, this one is just breaking down in front of him crying) Codsworth will panic. He cannot handle sadness well so he’ll try to cheer you up by offering various beverages or food. When that doesn’t work, he’ll finally stop and communicate with you. “Oh sir/mum, what can I do to make you feel better?”

Curie:

Not-romanced and romanced (I could not really envision it being different): Curie is not that good with emotions yet, so you being so open with them will shock her, but she’ll admire you even more for it. “Oh dear, you must be feeling a whole whirlwind of emotions for you to cry this much!” Curie will, of course, hug you back, but she will feel awkward and insecure about her ability to comfort you. She doesn't even understand most of the emotions she herself experiences. How is she supposed to make you - the expert in her eyes - feel better?

Danse:

Not-romanced: Danse will freeze for a second before hesitantly hugging you back. Everything inside of him screams that this is inappropriate, that he is your superior, and any kind of physical touch is wrong, even if it is just to comfort you. But another part of him knows your relationship isn’t just based on rank. You’re friends, so he’ll bite his tongue and let you cry until your eyes are dry. He won’t say anything in the meantime, but when you are done, he will ask for an explanation as to what is going on.

Romanced: He won’t show you, but he is panicking, and he’ll continue to panic until you tell him everything that is bothering you. He will hug you tightly and try his best to comfort you, but he will mostly listen instead of trying to give advice.

Deacon:

Non-romanced: Out of the fight-flight-freeze reactions, Deacon is a person who flees. That’s why he lies and makes up new identities. Being close to someone scares him, as does the friendship you two share. So, when you walk up to him and break down in his arms, he will unfortunately push you away. He doesn’t do it intentionally; it’s an automatic reaction to anyone seeking any sort of intimacy with him. He instantly regrets it too. “Shit, I’m sorry,” he’ll say upon seeing your surprised eyes. He internally debates whether he should tell you how uncomfortable he is with physical touch, but he can see that you need him right now, so instead he’ll close the distance again and hug you. “Sorry. Let’s forget about that, okay? Tell me what’s wrong.”

Romanced: No questions asked, he hugs you tightly and places gentle kisses on your head. He will lay the two of you down so you can cry as long as you need to in a more comfortable position. He’ll hide how much your breakdown scares him, and will try to redirect his thoughts elsewhere (as long as you’re not ready to talk). After a while, he’ll start to absentmindedly run his fingers through your hair and over your back.

Gage:

Non-romanced: If you do it in public, where the gangs can see you, he might shoot you. So, you better just do it somewhere private like on Fizztop Mountain. However, even if you do it in private, Gage won’t be comforting. He’ll push you away and curse in annoyance upon seeing your tears. “For fuck’s sake! You crying on me now, Boss? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Gage will be ashamed of you. You are the boss of a gigantic raider operation and here you are in front of him, crying. That is not an acceptable thing to do. Get angry, scream, kill, vandalize! There are many ways to express your emotions and crying is not one of them! Even if you are friends, he will not be open to hear you out as long as you are crying.

Romanced: Gage won’t push you away, but he is still uncomfortable with openly showing weakness. Even if it is the two of you towards each other. He won’t be able to stand the silence as you are crying and sobbing, so he’ll make some suggestions of other things you can do instead of crying. “Come on, let’s shoot some ghouls in Kiddie Kingdom. Always fun to get those suckers, right?” “Heard another poor bastard got stuck in the Gauntlet, how about we make his day even worse, huh?” If you do not react to his suggestions, he’ll eventually quiet down.

Hancock:

Non-romanced: “Hey, Sunshine, what’s gotten you so down?” Will hug you back tightly and not let go until you yourself signal that you want out of the embrace. Hancock will instantly communicate with you to support you as well as possible. “Tell me what you want me to do here, sweetheart.” Do you need him to just hold you and listen? Do you want him to try and cheer you up? Anything you say goes.

Romanced: The same as non-romanced, just with a lot more affection. He’ll mumble words of affection, compliments and praises in your ear.

Longfellow:

Will be awkward with the physical affection. He can understand needing a shoulder to cry on, but his shoulder hasn’t been used in a long time and he knows he is not the best person to comfort others. “Kid, I know you ain’t got a lot of friends on the island, but I’m afraid you still chose the wrong person to come to.” Of course, his words won’t do anything, it’s not like you’re gonna try and find someone else to comfort you while you are experiencing a literal breakdown, so he’ll stick with you, but will remain awkwardly silent. After a while, he’ll get used to the sound of you crying and he’ll go back to just being himself: grumbling to himself and humming some songs.

MacCready:

Non-romanced: He’ll be surprised when you suddenly crash into him crying, and a bit awkward - he was just a hired gun, this was not what he signed up for. But his worry will be bigger than his annoyance so he won’t make any insensitive remarks until after you’re done crying and he’ll only do that jokingly, to lighten the mood.

Romanced: So so worried. “Hey, what’s wrong?” When you don’t talk and just cry, his concern will only grow. “Come on, Sole, talk to me. You’re worrying me, sweetheart. Say something, please.”

Nick:

Non-romanced: “There you go, kid, just let it all out.” Nick will hug you back as gently as possible with his outdated synth body. He won’t say much, he’ll just let you cry and vent if you need to. Only if you signal that you are done will he talk and try to give advice as far as that is possible.

Romanced: The same as non-romanced but he won’t hesitate to hold you tight.

Piper:

non-romanced and romanced: Piper will feel really bad to see you like this. She will hug you tightly and try to reassure you. “Hey, shh, it’s okay. I’m here, just tell me what’s going on.”

Preston:

Non-romanced: Preston will be so awkward. He’ll have no idea how to handle this so he’ll just quietly hug you until you’ve calmed down. Only when he feels like you are not too emotional anymore will he dare to speak up. “Hey… wanna talk about it?”

Romanced: Less awkward, but he still won’t know what to say because he’s afraid he’ll make it worse or annoy you.

Strong:

Has no concept of what affection is. He’ll assume you’re trying to brawl with him and he’ll simply throw you on the ground.

X6-88:

Non-romanced: Will push you away and will not be sympathetic towards your feelings. “This seems highly inappropriate.” “If you really need to waste your time on this, I suggest you do it when you’re in human company.”

Romanced: Still unsympathetic, but he cares enough this time to keep his mouth shut. So he’ll just silently embrace you. Unless you take too long, then he will suddenly and dryly suggest you stop crying so the two of you can keep going.

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weniswastelandwenis · 3 months

Note

How would they react to Sole getting stuck in a glue trap?

Thank you so much for sending this, It was very spiritual for us to complete it.

Fallout 4 Companions React to Sole Getting Stuck In A Glue Trap

Cait:

Her rock&roll lifestyle led her to see many glue trap related incidents. First she would attempt to pull them free, but then after about 2 minutes of effort she would give up. “Well, that’s what you get for stealin me lucky charms.” They both lay in defeat and pass a blunt back and forth, Cait having to hold it for Sole, until the sun rises.

Codsworth:

Would scream in surprise at Sole’s unfortunate situation. “MUM! What happened?” Erratically, he would blast them with 20 bars of bursting pressure, the same powerful pressure of a firehose, in an attempt to free them. “If the sir were here to see this, he would be in shambles!” Many days and nights passed, and finally Sole was free, but chronically mangled, only to pass away in agony in Shaun’s crib.

Curie:

Spanks them sexily and rewards them for being mothers naughty wastelander.

Danse:

“Well I’m a synth and you accepted me, so I guess I can accept you being part glue.” Danse says warmly with a smile. Unfortunately, actions spoke louder than words, and Danse began alienating sole, treating them as if they were a feral ghoul. Sole then began spiraling and doing more drugs with hancock ever before. If they were being treated like a ghoul, then they would become a ghoul. Danse heard the news and a single tear fell from his eye, and fell to his knees. Last night, hancock carried his glue ridden friend to the glowing sea so they could become a ghoul, only for the two to get hit by a car, a rarity in the wasteland, and died instantly.

Deacon:

Would assume it’s a wacky new trend all the commonwealth folk are into, and would bring his own glue trap from home. He sets it up next to sole’s glue trap and jumps into it belly-first, making a loud resounding SPLAT noise. Sole cannot believe their eyes and begins openly weeping, for the one ounce of hope they had of getting free was eradicated right before their very eyes, and instead was a slime covered bald man wielding sunglasses and a huge grin.

Hancock:

He ties sole’s arms to one brahmin, and legs to another. At the peak of night, he fires off his shotgun into the sky, and though not usually a religious man, says a silent prayer. A CRACK! Noise sounds around the wasteland, and he couldn’t bear to look at the source of the noise: Sole’s freedom, or their demise? Instead, he picked a spot on the distant horizon, and began walking. Some say to this day, he still does.

MacCready:

He has heard that gasoline will loosen the glue but after a few beers and a bad batch of cram he accidentally burns down the house with sole inside it. He watches the blaze of glory with an almost proud smile on his face

Valentine:

Nick had heard rumors on the street of the vanishing sticky dame, and had to find out for himself if they were true. Ellie laid sultrily on the desk; he wasn’t sure what was going on there. “So Nick, I thought maybe we could go to Takahashi’s, maybe grab a bite to eat?” Ignoring her and heading for the door, he tosses her 10 stacks of paperwork and she collapses on the ground. “Gotta job to do, seeya Ellie.”

Years pass, and he just can’t seem to catch a break. He’s down to one last lead: and it takes him to the glowing sea. Almost all hope is lost, his spirits are down, and he’s almost given up until he steps in something, and it makes a squishing sound. Looking down, there is a giant human-sized glue trap, and a skeleton stuck to it. He takes off his fedora and gets down on one knee. “Swing low sweet chariots.” He whispers.

Piper:

She thinks being stuck in a glue trap is pretty good material for a story. She reports on sole and the glue trap daily for months and actually gathers a decent sized crowd who wait every week to hear about sole and the glue. Sole tries to escape but Piper covers them in more glue because she is blinded by her success. Piper writes an article after article and to this day settlers come from around the world to see sole, begging for help from the trap as Piper smiles on, adorned in expensive clothes and jewels.

Preston:

In his effort to find Sole and warn them that their 15th settlement was taken over by radioactive mimes, he stumbled upon them in a dark room, 90% glue, 9% shame, and 1% sole survivor. Their time was running out, and he knew it, but so were the other 900 settlers he decided were their problem after 1 week of meeting them. A lightbulb popped up in his head, and after many days of toiling with Danse and his brotherhood connections, they had created a custom power armor suit that allowed sole to perform their duties while in the glue trap. All was well, he thought.

Strong:

Picks up Sole and smashes them on the concrete ground until they are free.

X6:

He can’t fathom the level of pathetic one has to be to get trapped in glue. He is disgusted beyond belief and decides sole doesn’t deserve the embarrassment of being alive any longer. “Count the ceiling tiles on your way to hell dumbass.” He says before shooting them in the head.

#cait fallout 4 #deacon #fallout 4 #fallout 4 companions #fallout 4 companion imagines #fallout 4 companions react #fallout 4 reactions #deacon fallout 4 #preston garvey #sole survivor #fo4 imagines #fo4 companions react #fo4 companions #fo4 #fallout

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zirawrites · 9 days

Note

Fallout 4 companions reaction to sole who used to be criminal back in the old days before the bombs fell? They used to be a pro thief as they would rob banks and jewelery stores.

Cait: "I knew there was a reason we got on so well, Sole!" Cait threw an arm around her companion's shoulders. "So, what was your biggest score? And care to try it again? I reckon caps are easier to nick than jewels."

Codsworth: The Mr. Handy's body rattled in horror. "My word, sir/ma'am! Surely you jest. Our home was purchased with honest money. Why, you had reputable employment. Why would we have needed to steal?" He shook himself in disagreement. "This is a prank, isn't it? Well, it's not very funny. You've been spending too much time with Deacon."

Curie: "The psychology around kleptomania is actually quite fascinating." Curie badgered Sole with questions about their motivations behind their theft; seemingly uninterested in the heists themselves. Sole was so overwhelmed that they eventually lied that it was a joke.

Danse: "And you thought that was appropriate to confess to a Paladin?" Danse crossed his arms in admonishment. "I suggest you recant that statement before it gets noted in your records."

Deacon: Deacon reckoned that being a liar didn't give him the best moral standing to judge his partner for their criminal past. "That'll come in handy when dealing with the Institute." Then he patted his pockets. "Just don't get any ideas about borrowing my things. Tinker Tom does that enough already. This merry band we've got is running me dry."

Hancock: "Get in line with every other drifter who's blown through my town." The ghoul handed Sole a can of jet and gestured to his apartment. "Though I wouldn't mind hearing about some of those scores. Dishonest work makes for some of the best stories."

MacCready: "Woah, nice! What's the most expensive thing you've ever swiped?" MacCready pulled out a lighter from his duster. "Sometimes I help myself to a trinket or two from a target. This here is the best lighter I've ever used. Stole it off a serial killer, so I don't feel too bad about it." Then he shivered. "You don't think it has, like, bad energy, do you? Maybe I should toss it..."

Preston: "I don't think you'd want to admit that in earshot of any other Minutemen," he warned. "Don't think they'd take kindly to knowing our general's loyalties are... questionable." Then Preston checked his coat. "Wait, you haven't stolen anything from me, have you?"

Piper: "If you weren't my friend, I'd interview you for a feature on your greatest pre-war heists." Piper shrugged, her disappointment obvious. "But I'd hate to besmirch the goody-two-shoes image you've cultivated in the Commonwealth. Even if it loses me some sales."

Nick: "That's not exactly something you should brag about, kid." Nick looked the the perfect example of a displeased parent. "Some criminals make for the best detectives. They know how the bad guys' minds work. But don't get any bright ideas about pulling one over on me."

X6-88: "Surely not a common thief, though." X6 frowned. "Are we talking fancy jewelry stores? Big banks? Whatever you stole, I'm sure you got more out of it than a simple raider."

Edit: Just as Sole thawed from cryofreeze, I have returned.

#fallout 4 #fallout 4 react #fallout 4 reactions #maccready #hancock #danse #preston garvey #piper wright #fallout #codsworth #fallout 4 companions #fallout 4 companions react #nick valentine #x688 #fallout 4 cait #fallout 4 deacon #fallout 4 curie

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fallout-friends-react · 8 days

Note

Hi! Not really sure how to ask these things lol.

Would you be up for writing a fo4 companions react for a gender non specific (or even simply not mentioned) sole, getting shot in the hand and have to amputate a few fingers? If that’s too gory, I understand! Thank you!

Thank you for reading, farewell, have a good day.

Cait: The adrenaline of a firefight kept Sole from realizing their own injury. When things died down, Cait pointed to their hand. "Lost something, haven't ye?" Sole raised their bloodied hand to their face. One finger gone, and another just barely hanging on. They yelped and scurried about, hoping to find their lost appendage. "Shut yer pie hole. Come 'er." Sole handed over their,, hand. Cait took the dangling digit in her hand, and yanked the thing right off. Sole screamed directly in her face. "Oh please, I did ye a favor."

Curie: There's no one better to be with when you get injured. When Sole's hand was injured they were sure they were going to lose some, if not all fingers. Such is the way of wasteland life. "Oh calm down I've got you. No need to worry at all." Her voice was so confident and reassuring, Sole couldn't help but relax a little. Curie expertly administered first aid, and was even able to reattach some fingers they would have otherwise lost.

Codsworth: Sole and Codsworth found themselves suddenly swarmed by molerats. Jumping this way and that, their teeth audibly chomping as they went. One molerat managed to get hold of Sole's hand. They yelped. Codsworth dealt with the rats at hand, as quickly as he could. He quickly approached Sole, who was on their knees, holding their hand. "Is everything alright sir/mum? Are you perhaps injured?" Sole held up their hand, missing exactly one finger. All three of Codsworth's eyes focused on it. "Oh dear." He said sadly. "Unfortunately I don't have much for that right now. Which would you rather have?" He held up two arms. In one, a flamethrower, presumably to cauterize the wound. In the other, a box of sugarbombs. Sole couldn't help but laugh. "I'll take the sugarbombs thanks."

Danse: After swiftly dispatching a group of super mutants. Danse lowered his guard. It lasted seconds. Sole was screaming his name. Danse's mental alarm ringing in his ears, he quickly ran over to them. "What is it? What's wrong?" Sole held up their hand, which was a few fingers less than normal. Evidently a mutant that had been blindly spraying bullets in their direction, actually hit them. "Oh. It's just that." As he was administering first-aid, Sole yelled, "JUST THAT?! I'VE LOST SOME FINGERS!!!" Danse sighed, "I know plenty of fine brothers that have lost far more than that. You'll be fine soldier."

Deacon: Sole and Deacon were wandering around downtown Boston. Sole's guard was way too far down, considering their surroundings. A shot rang out, followed by a burning sensation in Sole's hand. After taking cover, Sole realized they'd lost a pinkie. After a string of curses, some of which Deacon had never heard, he picked up their lost digit. "Think I could get a good amount of caps for this?" He laughed.

Dogmeat: AAA BARK BARK ARE U OK BARK BARK

Hancock: Sole and Hancock stumbled into some dilapidated old bar. After handling a group of Gunners, they needed a moment to collect themselves. Hancock propped himself on the bar counter and laughed, "well that was fun." He looked back at Sole, who was looking at their hand, dripping blood. "Oooh." His pitch lowered. Sole slowly approached him, and silently showed him their hand. A couple fingers dangled. It was gross. Without saying much, Hancock took out a knife from his back pocket. "Do you want me to do it, or do it yourself?" Sole clenched their jaw, they knew it needed to be done. They plopped their hand on the bar table and closed their eyes. Hancock sighed and readied himself. "Alright then."

MacCready: MacCready is no stranger to wounds, especially those caused by firearms. That's just part of the job when you work for the Gunners. Funny enough it was that same group that caused his current predicament. Sole was panicking. A gunner aimed at the hand that held Sole's weapon, and they hit their mark. MacCready was holding Sole's bloodied hand in his own, trying to figure out a way to help. "Would you PLEASE STOP moving." MacCready thought he said it sternly, but his voice was shaky. He was panicking just as much as Sole. Turns out, in his case, no amount of experience prepares you for emergencies.

Nick: Sole and Nick, minding their own business in the wastes. A peaceful day, it seemed. Until a lone super mutant sicced its mutant hound on them. Nick scuttled behind a tree, and took care of the super mutant. Sole, on the other hand, was slow to the uptake. They didn't realize what was going on until the hound had already taken a chomp out of their non-dominant hand. Thankfully both were eradicated before any more injuries were sustained. "We sure made quick work of that huh?" Nick smiled, until he saw Sole's hand. Looking at where their fingers should have been, all he could say was, "well would you look at that."

Piper: After fending off a gang of raiders, Piper slumped down on the ground next to Sole. "Christ, I don't know how much more of this I can take." She was clearly out of breath. Sole's silence made Piper sit up and check on them. They sat, staring at their hand, blood pooling on the ground between their legs. "Blue, are you-" Sole moved their shaky hand closer to Piper, causing her to lurch away from them. "GET THAT MESS OU T of my FACE." She squealed. Sole begged for help. "Oh god I'm gonna be sick..."

Preston: Some unorganized raiders attempted to attack the well fortified Sanctuary. Sole, Preston, and several other residents dispatched them quickly, but not before Sole got hurt. They called out to Preston, making him quickly spin around to face them. He'd never seen their face go pale like that. One of their fingers was hanging on by a thread, assumed to have been caught by a stray bullet. Preston quickly took up their dripping hand in both of his. "Preston I- what do I-" their voice was shaky. "General." "but I-" "GENERAL." Preston seldom yelled. It caused Sole to focus on him. "It'll be okay. Let's see if we can find someone to help you out here, alright?" His calm voice reassured Sole.

Strong: Strong liked to complain, but he didn't like listening to Sole complain. The fight between them and some rogue robots had long since been over but Sole was still screaming about having a couple fingers lasered off. Luckily for them, it cauterized the wound. "I just can't believe this, it hurts so MU-" Sole was cut off by Strong screaming at them. "STOP TALKING. PUNY HUMAN WEAK. STRONG NEVER LOSE FANGER. BE QUIET." He groaned loudly and stomped off. Sole was stunned........"fanger?" He had misspoke.

X6-88: Sole squealed loudly. Their own bullet ricocheted off a steel barrel and somehow hit them in their own hand. They were shaking, "X6 I- what,.. what do I do! I don't think these fingers are gonna make it. Shit I don't know if I'm gonna make it." X6 didn't respond. He was busy cleaning up what Sole missed. "X6 PLEASE." After finishing the job they left for him, he stood over them. "You'll be fine. The institute doctors can make you new ones." He said flatly.

#I had to use different scenarios (other than just a gunshot) to keep it interesting for myself #hope u don't mind #fallout 4 reactions take so fucking long to do good god #fallout #fallout 4 #Cait #Curie #Codsworth #paladin danse #Deacon #Dogmeat #Hancock #joseph maccready #nick valentine #Piper wright #preston garvey #Strong #x6 88 #fallout companions react

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fallout-drabbles-n-stuff · 25 days

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Downloaded a new mod called here comes the sun it alters the fatman when you launch the mininuke it goes "here comes the sun" and when the nuke goes off is goes " do do do do"

Bruh holy sh-

#imagine the companions reactions if sole just randomly sang that while firing a fatman #fallout 4 #fallout #fo4 companions #fallout companions #someone draw this

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cxsmic-reactions · 1 year

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How would the companions react to riding the nuka cola space rollercoaster?

(p.s im so glad your back! Your my favorite fo4 blog)

Companions React to riding the Nuka-Cola Space Rollercoaster (+GAGE)

Once the Nuka World Roller-coaster, finally got electricity and was fixed up. Sole wanted their companion to go with them and try it out. While some of them are fine with it, others aren't.

Cait:

The short answer was NO. No matter how many times Sole asked Cait it was a straight NO. But with a few bottles of beer and a bet of 150 caps from Hancock. Cait strapped herself into the rocket. For the first few seconds Cait was fine but when the machine started moving forward. Suddenly 150 caps weren’t enough but it was too late. And with that, the ride took off taking Cait with it. While Sole was laughing and cheering, Cait was clawing at the machine while screaming. Seeing Cait freak out Sole immediately takes her hand to calm her down. Without hesitation, Cait instantly calmed down followed by a blush. Soon after the ride was over and they arrived at the beginning again, Cait screamed, “One more go!”. It's gonna be a long night.

Curie:

Roller-coaster? This is something that she read about in the lab a long time ago. She always wanted to ride a roller coaster. Some of the scientists that she worked with used to talk about the Nuka World rollercoasters every now and then. Which made her wish she could experience one. But that was all before she got her new body, so she could definitely experience that now. And with that both of them got onto the coaster and shot off past the coaster doors, speeding through the coaster, Curie was so overwhelmed with such happiness. She didn't know what to do, either cry, laugh, or scream. So why not all three. Even though the coaster started only minutes ago it felt like seconds to her. Begging to ride one more time they went off again. After the third time, Sole got off spinning while Curie kept going. She was so happy!

Danse:

Absolutely not. This was a firm no. There was no getting around it. The fact that Sole would even ask a question like that, and the fact he was even entertaining it by answering them was even crazier. But a drunk Danse was completely different. He was faster jumping on the roller coaster than Sole was. Though it was absolutely hilarious to see Danse so excited on the coaster, the one downside was that Danse throw up halfway through the ride which got on the coaster railing. Hopefully, Codsworth could clean it up later. Once the coaster was over Danse wanted to go around again but Sole got him out of the coaster and got him to bed. Geez.

Deacon:

This is an obvious answer YES! There is nothing this man will not do. So the fact that Sole had mentioned it, he was already there. Even before Sole. In fact, Deacon had already ridden the coaster twice by the time Sole had brought it up. And of course, he wouldn't mind going with Sole this time. Jumping into the coaster with Sole the coaster started as soon as they buckled in. The coaster then sped off. With this being Sole's first time they shrieked with wonder and surprise as the lights flashed and the aliens battled. So to not ruin Sole's experience Deacon acted shocked and he also pretended to be surprised. Once the roller coaster ended they both got off happy that they got to experience it together.

Hancock:

HOLY FUCK YES. We all know Hancock was down for absolutely anything. Hoping in the rocket with Sole in between his legs, he took some jet and they were off. Feeling the rush of jet and the adrenaline. Hancock cried tears of joy. He has never felt such a high as this one. But all things must come to an end. So holding a screaming Sole in his arms while the ride came to a close, he got an idea. He wouldn't tell anyone, but this was probably one of the best days ever since he discovered he could make BuffJet. Coming to a stop Sole got out but before they could help Hancock out, he was off again. Leaving a hearty scream and an empty jet canister behind.

MacCready:

ABSOLUTELY! There was no way in hell he was gonna pass up this chance. He strapped in and even before Sole could get in Mac ordered the Mr. Frothy to press go. Shooting off like a rocket all anyone could hear and see was Mac smiling and screaming with his hands in the air. By the time the rollercoaster was over Mac still wasn't ready to get off. He had to go around 5 times before Sole gave up and left. But Mac was none the wiser he just kept asking to go again. Maybe later he will ask Sole to join him.

Valentine:

Well, he wasn't entirely against it but also not entirely for it. He mainly got on just to ease Soles' constant begging and bribing. He gave Piper his hat and sat down next to Sole accepting his fate. Shooting off Sole looked at him with a huge smile. He smiled back but his smile soon turned into a loud scream followed by laughter and then more screaming. He was having fun but this still scared him. Minutes go by of this same emotional cycle. And once it ended Sole smiled brightly and thanked him. Even though he was a little scared at first, it was really fun, and seeing Sole happy made it 10x better.

Piper:

She was a little on the fence but it took very little convincing from Sole to do it. Plus maybe she could put this story in her paper. Maybe something a little positive to give her readers. So she strapped herself in with Sole not too far behind and waited for the ride to start. As if on cue the ride shot off before she could even finish her thought. This was probably the most fun she's had in years. This was such a crazy feeling. She never felt joy and fear at the same exact time before. The pits in her stomach were knots the whole time and she couldn't help but sweat through the palms of her hands. But in the end, it was all worth it, she enjoyed it so much that she might have to bring Nat to try it one day.

Preston:

He was super nervous about it at first. It's not like he has a fear of heights, it's just that he doesn't like being up high that long. The highest he was fine with was the castle wall or even the window at the Museum. So this was a bit of a bigger task he was quite ready for. But with Sole's constant reassurance and their hand on their shoulder, Preston felt okay and ready for anything. Strapping into the coaster with Sole right next to him, he closed his eyes to prepare but before he could even start... BOOM! The coaster shoot right off instantly without hesitation Preston began screaming at the top of his lungs with Sole laughing right next to him. Which felt like seconds to Sole felt like hours for Preston. He didn't stop screaming until the coaster stopped completely. All he could say was never again as he left the coaster.

X6:

There is no shock with this one. NO! There was absolutely no way that X6 was going to sit his ass on that rollercoaster. That was until Sole was made the leader of the Institute and anything they order he had no real choice but to follow. Even though secretly he would have gone but he's a courser he has a reputation to uphold. So with that both Sole and X6 strapped in and enjoyed the ride. While Sole was happy and screaming, X6 kept his face completely straight. Though on the inside he was screaming like a schoolgirl. After the ride Sole got off and walked away, along with everyone else, heading back to the Fizz Top for dinner. X6 stayed and hid until he knew everyone was for sure gone. Once the coast was clear X6 ordered the Mr. Frothy to start up the roller coaster. Jumping back in the coaster went around again and again until he was tired of it. If only Sole knew...

BONUS:

GAGE:

Absolutely the actual fuck not. FUCK NO. There will be nothing that will get Gage on that damn roller coaster. Not unless he had a gun pointed at his head, and even in that case he would still say no. So if that's the case and he feels that way, why the hell is he sitting next to Sole on the coaster waiting for the ride to start. This wasn't how he wanted to spend his night, he just couldn't remember how he got there. And then he remembered CAPS. Mags Black. She had bet him 3,000 caps that he wouldn't ride the coaster and wouldn't scream. So here he was sitting on the coaster with Sole while the other raider bosses stood and watched. Shooting off like a rocket they were off, zooming through the ride, which made it harder and harder to keep his composure. Letting out a small shriek he quickly covered his mouth. Soon coming back into the platform again Mags glanced at Sole and before they could say anything Gage kicked them. Sole waving off Mags and letting her know that Gage won. She tossed Gage the bag of caps and left with a puff. Before Gage got out Sole snatched the caps back with a smile and said "I wasn't gonna say anything about you screaming but since you kicked me, I think I'll keep this." Gage just shrugged and nodded his head. Well, at least he had a little fun.

This was requested by Anon. I hope you enjoyed it it's been a little while since I've made these so bear with me guys :)). Thank you so much for requesting and let me know if you guys want more. <3<3

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ratboycore · 1 year

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i have decided to rise from the dead with some fun completely random headcanons for my fav companions

nick valentine:

- nick's favorite music genre is jazz. ESPECIALLY 1950's - 1970's jazz. he also dabbles in a bit of opera from time to time, but he's gotta be in the right mood for it.

- he's the opposite of claustrophobic. he actually really likes tight, confined spaces and sole often finds him hiding in a little cubby under his desk reading case files.

- despite being a synth he still yawns??? when sole questioned him about this he looked at them wide eyed because he didn't even realize he did it until they pointed it out. some habits from pre-war nick never died

- he collects pre-war stamps. ellie has never understood the fascination with something as seemingly menial as stamps, but she supports him nonetheless.

- nick LOVES the smell of peppermint and gets overly excited when he smells it because it's so rare to find in the commonwealth

- he brings ellie fun trinkets he finds while on his adventures

- the reason his bedroom is under the stairs and ellie's is upstairs is mostly because he wanted to give back to her for all her hard work by giving her the bigger room. however, he will insist it's actually because he just "doesn't actually need a bedroom."

john hancock:

- BITES. HIS. NAILS.

- he once found a pre-war shopping cart while high and cruised around goodneighbor while making farenheit push him. she was not amused but obliged anyway

- hancock is surprisingly cat-like. he stretches weirdly over all furniture, kneads things with his hands idly, makes soft, purring-like noises when you pet him, and sleeps a lot. it's no shocker that he's a major cat person

- this man cannot sit normally for the life of him. he takes every opportunity to sit like a fucking gremlin

- he's actually a really good cook. he makes a MEAN deathclaw steak

- hancock and daisy are gossip FIENDS. it's very common to hear them both giggling together

deacon:

- deacon is a really good knitter. like really good. they have knitted sole and desdemona many scarves over the years. of course, it goes without saying that they've made many ridiculous items throughout the years. he has a knitted penis collection that he is VERY proud of

- they have a SERIOUS biting problem. if you get too close, he's going to bite you

- he always has his nails painted. different colors for different disguises. where the hell they get nail polish in the wasteland is a mystery to all

- extremely lactose intolerant and makes it everyone else's problem. he refuses to just NOT have dairy and instead chooses to suffer the consequences. unfortunately, everyone else also has to suffer the consequences along with him

- they get cold really easily, but they always play it off. sole eventually catches on and starts hugging them whenever they start shaking

maccready

- also a nail biter

- his favorite pastime other than reading comic books is cleaning his guns. he'll put on the radio, hum along, and get to work

- maccready snores. like insanely loud. it's incredibly annoying but also kind of cute in a way

- he hides a stash of nudie mags under his mattress like a hormonal teenager

- he has dyslexia and has to make sole read things for him

- maccready is a major baby when he's sick. he begs sole to take care of him and hold him when he's sick. he makes them spoonfeed him soup

#fallout #fallout 4 #sole survivor #john hancock #fallout 4 companions #robert joseph maccready #john hancock fallout 4 #fallout 4 fanart #fallout 4 companion reactions #headcanons #fallout 4 headcanons

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satans-left-asscheeky · 1 year

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Pining Fo4 Companions react to getting stuck under the mistletoe with sole

Maccready

"Oh wow! I actually had my first kiss under some mistletoe back in the little lamplight days..."

He'd lean in extremely close so sole would understood what he was getting at, but he didn't have the nerve to initiate the kiss... at least not when sole meant so much to him, thankfully sole did it for him placing their hands on either side of his blushing face as the kissed him deeply. Mac giggled into the kiss and placed his hands on the small of their back pulling them closer to him. This was turning out to be a good Christmas indeed.

Hancock

"Would'ya look what we have here? It'd be a shame to let this moment go to waste..."

He'd wrap his arms around soles waist and gently touch his lips to theirs. The second he felt them kiss back he deepened the kiss moving one hand to cradle their head. If the ghoul had his way they'd make out the rest of the day no matter where they were

Cait

"If you wanted to smooch me all you had to do was ask"

She'd pull them close to her and kiss them deeply. Caits not exactly the kind to do anything half and the same goes for kissing...

Danse

"I wonder where on earth the scribes found this plant. Could've sworn it was extinct"

The whole thing went over his head. It wouldn't be until about a week later that he'd realized and he'd beat himself up over ruining the perfect moment, but also wouldn't try and recreate it because of his insecurities :/

Curie

"Oooh this is a tradition is it not?"

The kiss would be more like a peck, but to be fair it was also the synths first kiss. Her face would be burning and no matter how hard she tried to return to whatever task she had been doing before her mind would keep wandering off to the special moment her and sole had shared

Deacon

"Well would you look at that, some conveniently placed mistletoe, almost like someone placed that there just so we would kiss..."

He put it there. Might seem a bit ballsy for Deacon, but he was sick an tired of this silly crush and wondering if they liked him back. Now that's not to say he wasn't internally screaming and blushing profusely, but despite himself he'd lean forward. He kept just close enough for sole to get the hint, but far back enough they could pull away if they were uncomfortable, but oh boy did they got the hint and they threw themselves on him with such intensity he had to take a step back to keep from falling as they crashed their lips into his with vigor. in the end it was all worth it when he had his lips on soles. Mission accomplished 😎

Piper

"Oh wow mistletoe... Ya know I've always found it kinda weird how people kiss under a poisonous plant. Not that I wouldn't kiss you! I mean not to imply we have to kiss or anything! Unless of course you-"

She was interrupted by sole kissing her. The kiss felt natural, like they'd been doing it for years, inspite of this being the first time. Piper felt like she could easily get lost in the others lips. As nice as it all felt Piper still wasn't entirely convinced it wasn't just to shut her up, but either way it's the nicest way anyone has ever asked her to shut up so she'd except the gesture gladly

Nick

"Think the universe is trying to tell us something doll"

Him and Sole had been walking home to the agency on a particularly cold night, so he had stopped to put his coat on his shivering companion when he noticed the mistletoe. The kiss was extremely chaste and brief, but it still made him feel oddly warm on the cold evening

Preston

"Wow that mistletoe looks so pretty. I'll have to thank whoever put it up..."

Much like Danse if goes completely over his head, only when he realizes he takes sole back there and nervously pecks their lips with his, of course he ends up bonking their forehead with his and then ends up apologizing profusely before sole laughs and gives him a proper kiss. He relaxes a bit after the kiss and him and Sole going back to do whatever they were before walking hand in hand. Task failed successfully 😎

X6-88

"I've heard the plant can be poisonous... perhaps we should test it against our enemies"

Hes not aware of the tradition, but he totally killed the mood for sole. If someone was to tell him of the tradition he'd think it was foolish, if he wanted to kiss someone he would kiss them, and besides he doesn't take orders from a damn plant

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everydayyoulovemeless · 9 days

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How would fo4 companions react to sole introducing them to their boyfriend Porter Gage?

Fo4 Companions Reactions To Sole Introducing Gage As Their Boyfriend

➼ Word Count » 1.2k ➼ Warnings » none ➼ Genre » platonic

MacCready will grimace but try to smile for your sake. It’s clear he’s not genuine with any nice thing he says but he does try to seem excited. After a minute he'll ask if he can talk with you in private and ultimately tells you that it's not worth it. He's been with the Gunners long enough to know that Raiders aren't any better. He knows from experience that you don't want to be caught up in all that and will plead with you to understand how awful your boyfriend is. It's your life at the end of the day, and he'll stick around with you regardless, just know that his vote is on you two splitting... and you're not going to be let around Duncan until Gage is out of the picture.

Nick will just stare at Gage when you first bring him into the Agency. After an uncomfortable amount of time passes, he'll sigh and ask if he can talk to your boyfriend alone. He'll sit him down at his desk and ask him to interview him, wanting to get a handle on his character before he jumps to any assumptions. However, since he's Gage, he fails almost every question on Nick's test, which makes the detective increasingly more disappointed in your taste in men. Later in the day, he'll offer to walk with you around Diamond City to tell you how he disapproves of the relationship. You've done countless cases together where you take down guys just like him. Is that really the future you want for yourself?

Cait is completely against it and will be very vocal about it. She’ll grip her bat that’s slung over her shoulders and sneer at the raider standing beside you in disgust. She knows exactly what kind of person he is and will demand outright that you break up with him. She cares for you, and she won’t let you ruin yourself with this guy. However, if Gage starts arguing with her, she'll swing at him so quickly. There's not a universe where these two ever get along with each other. It's best you don't introduce the two at all.

Out of all the good men in the Brotherhood, you chose him? Danse is not only confused but disgusted that you'd ever think he'd be ok with you dating a raider. As your higher-up, he'll demand you end things with him or he'll have no choice but to send a squadron to slaughter him and the rest of the raiders in Nuka-World. You're choice.

Preston is not only baffled but distraught as well. Did you not realize what he was? You’re technically not from this world, so maybe you missed the signs?? He’ll pull you aside, hands firmly planted on your shoulders as he tells you you need to end things with him. He’s not an ally of the Minutemen, he's the exact thing you've sworn to be against. If you refuse to see it from his perspective, he'll have no choice but to exile you from the faction. You actively put people in danger by bringing him straight into the Castle, and he won't have anyone die needless deaths at the hands of someone like him.

Codsworth lets out a quiet "oh my!" when he spots Gage. He's quite the change from your old spouse, isn't he? A lot more rugged than he remembers your type being, but that doesn't mean his personality is much different... right? Codsworth is incredibly concerned for your well-being when you bring your boyfriend around. Are you sure you aren't sick? He's not keeping you hostage? He's snarky about the entire relationship, and won't stop making conversation awkward by bringing up your dead spouse, but he'll reluctantly be supportive. As long as you're happy, he supposes.

Piper will shove him away from you and threaten to get security if he doesn't get lost. She's amazed at the fact you chose him instead of literally anyone else in the Commonwealth and, as much as she loves you, she'd not going to blindly support a relationship she knows won't end in anything good. Piper will be annoying about how badly she wants you both to break up and won't stop pestering you until you do. Just be sure to keep an eye on Gage, if she keeps putting hands on him, he might start doing it back.

Curie is confused when you introduce him. Mainly because she only ever remembers the two of you shooting at raiders, not being friendly with them. Nevertheless, she's happy for you and will clasp her hands together excitedly at the prospect of you being in love! How cute!

Strong is probably one of the only ones on this list who approves. He feels incredibly proud that you've found additional groups of people to lead toward violence and holds a lot of respect for how brutal Gage can be in combat. It's something he really admires, however, he thinks the car parts that he wears look stupid, and he's very vocal about that.

initially, Hancock will act all friendly and kind, welcoming Gage to Goodneighbor and introducing him to the townspeople but, what you didn't know was that he'd arranged for him to be jumped while he was visiting. A sniper shooting at him from a window, a scaver yanking him into an alleyway with a hoard of triggermen, or Kleo simply attacking him; Hancock will hurt him somehow. It's all in your best interest. He'd hate for you to be a part of the wrong side of history, and besides, how could he ever live with himself if he knew he'd let some slave-owning, murderer date you?

Deacon is similar to Hancock in that he puts on a friendly facade when you finally bring Gage around. He acts as if they've known each other for years and will sling an arm around his shoulder and distract him with all sorts of outlandish stories before bringing the Deliverer out of his pocket and shooting him in his side quickly. He knows you'll be upset but, there's no way he'd let you run off to an amusement park filled with human-trafficking victims with this guy. He cares too much about you to let you follow a bunch of raiders.

X6-88 doesn't even wait for you to say anything before he shoots at him. He can tell just by looking at him that he's dirty and not a good fit for Institute life. If anything, he reminds X6 of Kellog, which isn't necessarily a good thing. The only way he'd be willing to accept the relationship is if you proposed for the Nuka-World Raiders to ally with the Institute to do all the heavy lifting on the surface. But that means the gangs would be willing to do something like that. It's a heavy offer, but he'd be content with it.

Old Longfellow will run stressed hands down his face as you and Gage sit opposite of him in a booth at the Last Plank. You can't be serious. Him?? This is the guy you'd been telling him about? It's a no from him before the two of you can even sit down. He wants you to find a man who will take care of you. Someone who's a gentleman. Don't ever bring another raider to meet him, he's never going to approve. He'll tell you that you're an adult and you can make your own decisions, but that he hopes you'll find an honest, hard-working man instead.

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fallout4-reacts · 9 months

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Oh! I have a fun idea! How would the companions react to sole going through some rubble and finding a former degree/award for some massive achievement that was prewar. Like sole finds some massive medical award and is like “oh yea. This was for that surgical technique I made up” or like a military award like “oh yes this was when I saved 4 guys from a bomb”

Sole demanded them to assist them in clearing out the house of anything that had not stood the test of time. They remove the shattered old furnishings from the master bedroom. Sturges might be able to assist with one or two repairs. When they drop a drawer, a plastic-coated document falls out. Sole rushes to hide it from their companion, but it is too late.

Cait : "Hold up, what's that I'm seein'?" she asks.

Sole replies with "nothing."

"It's a real big deal," Cait says as she takes the certificate from Sole's grasp. "Damn, I did know about this tournament! It was some fancy-pants international featherweight champion. I had no clue you were into the ring, darlin'! And here I was, thinking I was the one who fought for the both of us!"

Sole seemed to be really uneasy.

"It happened in college. I was actually at college. To pay for my studies, I had been fighting in the ring. It was... another era."

"Hold up, there's a difference between scrapping and scraping to fund your education and being the legendary international champion! Are ya still sportin' yer belt? "

"No. I sold it to put down the deposit on this house. And I assure you, it was nothing. I won luckily."

"Luckily?"

"Yeah. Just one foolish thing. I was fortunate in every bout. The guys had been drinking or cheating on their diet the night before. As a result of one thing leading to another, I was proclaimed champion."

"Without raisin' yer fists, huh?"

"Of course I raised my fists! I won by chance rather than by forfeit. But I'm sure I couldn't compete with opponents like yours."

"Still, it's bleedin' impressive.”

Sole grumbles as they stuffs the document into their bag.

"Are we moving this furniture, or are we still gossiping about things that are worth nothing?"

Cait snatches her side and says nothing. However, she vows to request lessons when Sole will be in a better mood.

Codsworth : "Ah, sir/madam, I must confess, I was not aware of your esteemed possession of an honorary doctorate of science!"

Sole specifies, "The most important word is honorific."

Codsworth grabs the document and holds it up to his ocular sensors. «They do not bestow honoris causa to simply please. What did you do?"

Sole appears irritated. They sets down their side of the furniture because Codsworth doesn't seem to be willing to let go.

"Ah, foolishness. I contributed to the concrete's resilience to salt action. Not much at all."

"Doth mine ears deceive me? Verily, I comprehend that this wondrous concoction of concrete hath indeed brought forth a grand revolution in the realm of construction. Yet, I beseech thee, should such an accomplishment truly warrant the bestowal of a doctorate?"

"I may have studied the radar and the atom... that may have prompted me to design a radio-localisation model as well as the practically autonomous extension of the atomic battery... which may have led to the final version of the Pip-Boy 2000 mark VI."

Codsworth perfectly imitates an impressed whistle.

«Just that, » he says ironically.

"Sturges will be waiting."

They takes their side of the furniture and Codsworth does the same.

Curie : "Is this a publication highlighting your remarkable achievements?"

Sole rushes to grab the document and hide it beneath their mattress, but Curie quickly catches it.

"Hero of the day?"

"Arf... good luck. Good time, good place. I was the first on the line when a man hit his tanker on the road. I assisted him in getting out of the cabin before everything blew up."

Curie is pleased by both the act and the modesty.

"It is documented that you valiantly ventured into the fiery depths of damnation to rescue this unfortunate soul."

"Journalists favour to exaggerate things. It wasn't quite as good."

"But the vehicle experienced a rather explosive event.”

"Like the grenades that lob at me all day long. Do we remove that piece of furniture or not?"

Curie adds nothing. Her long-held admiration for Sole, on the other hand, has only grown.

Danse : Sole quickly hides the document, but Danse sets the furniture down and crosses his arms.

" What is it, soldier? This appears to be of great significance."

"It is not."

A tiny smile is stretched out by the Brotherhoods.

"I have perused the text. However, I yearn to receive your words directly."

"I may have rescued a patrol during a military operation, and my unit just happened to need publicity. That kind of stuff happens all the time in a fighting era."

Danse takes the document from Sole's grasp. " The Medal of Honor, a symbol of unwavering valour and unyielding dedication to duty. Though it existed long before my existence, I am not oblivious to the profound significance that this esteemed recognition embodies."

"Well, it's nothing anymore, and it won't take my furniture out of the room."

"That doth epitomise the individual who didst cast themself into the fray, valiantly rescuing mine unit from a ravenous horde of feral ghouls.”

Sole growls and grips their side of the furniture once again. Danse sets the certificate on the bed and vows to persuade Sole to display it noticeably in the Prydwen dormitory.

Deacon : Deacon goes up to Sole and grabs the document to read. Sole tries to take it from him and follows what appears to be a tango.

“God! Gold? I never knew you were a spry athlete, pal.”

"Congress gold medal, nothing to do."

"Yup, ain't got nothin' to do with it, I see. Service to the country ain't no walk in the park, my friend.”

Sole finally gets the document out of his hands and throws it in the back of their closet.

"If you bring this to anyone...I swear..."

Deacon chuckles. Sole attempts to threaten him from time to time, but they are never successful. This time, however, they appears to be completely out of it.

"I swear to God, I'm leaving the RailRoad!"

The spy swallows slowly.

"Let's get a move on, this here's a real big deal. Why does you appear so ashamed of it?"

"Excellent service to the country. I created the radio guiding technology that was later used on the nuclear bomb. You know that thing that swept the country and ushered in our era?"

Deacon's brows appear over the lenses of his glasses.

"I ain't never gonna spill the beans to nobody...”

Dogmeat : He doesn't move furniture, and even if he falls on a document, it makes no difference to him. However, one evening while Sole is laying in their bed watching an old award, Dogmeat comes at the foot of the bed.

«Never tell anyone, buddy,» Sole murmurs, «but it was me who discovered this vaccine against the flu H6D20 during my master.»

In heaven, the dog wags his tail when Sole scratches his head.

Elder Maxson : Sole had offered to discuss troop rationing in exchange for a service, but Maxson had no idea that this service would consist of cleaning up a wrecked house. Then this document slid out of a drawer, and Maxson bent over to pick it up, discovering at the same time that he is helping to empty Sole's house, and that Sole is a former civilian hero, permitting the evacuation of roughly twenty citizens from a burning building at the risk of their life. He stares up at a snow-white Sole (despite though he has no idea what snow is).

“Sir…I'll explain."

"Explain me that you have comprehended our core values prior to being recruited into my organisation?"

"Sir, it didn't happen the way it was described in this article."

"Cease this, Knight. I have no tolerance for disingenuous humility. Embrace the recognition that has been bestowed upon you. "

Sole scowls and goes out of the room. Maxson follows them.

"Do I connect that this esteemed honor instills a sense of unease within your being? And what, pray tell, is the purpose of laminating it, then?"

Sole kicks a shard of metal that has fallen from the roof.

"Nora/Nate requested that we save this article to show our son later. I always thought it was silly, and I tried everything to get rid of it. I have just now discovered the hiding place that has been found to keep me from wiping its existence."

Maxson places his hand on the shoulder of his soldier. "Do not cringe in shame. Take pride in your unwavering commitment to righteousness and steadfast courage. That is what sets you apart within our ranks and renders you of great significance to me."

Sole becomes even more uneasy, so Maxson changes the subject. "So, what about the supplies?"

"I will give you whatever surplus my colonies have...but never talk about it again."

Maxson extends his hand. "We have an agreement, General."

Hancock : The ghoul turns and returns the document he stole from Sole, placing it on their bed's mattress. " What in the blazes is this?" he innocently wonders, even though he knows exactly what it is due to his broad pre-war knowledge.

“Hm…I jumped from a vessel into a port to save the daughter of a wealthy politician who had gone overboard her own shuttle. They made a fuss of it."

Hancock whistles between his teeth and takes a shot of Jet. "Copacetic! I reckon I'm acquainted with a genuine hero?"

"The only heroic act I can brag about," Sole interrupts, grabbing the newspaper. "it's to not having strangled you for all of the chem breaks you take instead of helping me."

Hancock chuckles and stands up. It is true that it is easy to divert his attention away from such a unpleasant activity.

Gage : Porter only groans and whines. Instead of cleaning a house, they should be conquering settlements. Despite this, he picks up the document from the ground and instantly realizes what he is holding in his hands. "...the President of the United States recognized their bravery..."

"You can read?"

Porter, somewhat offended, looks up at Sole. " Of course I can decipher the written word, friend. I have an aversion to perusing literature, but my maternal figure insisted on instilling some intellectual capacity within me. What's the dealio, pal?"

"There is no story. I hurried to save a senator who was crossing the street when a truck broke down. They made a spectacle of it."

Porter blows a whistle. "I'm afraid I didn't quite catch what you just said, but judging by your humble nature, I feel it must have been quite the substantial tale."

Sole mutters. "The sooner we get this piece of furniture out, the sooner we'll be able to go conquer settlements."

Porter agrees without further explanation.

MacCready (romanced) : "What's this now? Primetime Emmy award?"

"Nothing...really, and more nothing important today."

"But, still?"

The mercenary ignites the cigarette that has been put behind his ear, having all his time. Especially when he is not compensated for his services as a mover.

"At the start of my marriage, I was a TV show host for a few years." They gave me this award because they believed I was good. The trophy had to have been stolen by now, but the document had to have been hidden in that drawer by Nate/Nora."

"A trophy, huh? Like when ya win a real high-stakes game?"

Sole approaches the mercenary with a smile, wrapping their arms around his shoulders. "The only trophy that matters to me is a certain wooden statuette that was given to me on the day you opened your heart to mine." then they passionately kisses him.

Mac no longer complains. He just got a nice income and believes that if he works hard, his compensation would be even better in the evening.

Nick Valentine : “Ah, the Call to Service Award! I must admit, I had no inkling of your unwavering dedication prior to the war."

"I guess it's in my nature to spend all of my free time helping others," Sole laughs nervously. "But, really, it's nothing. I… It was fairly simple, and I had an excellent staff. Instead of going to bars, I went to the community center and helped others. It was enjoyable."

In turn, the old detective laughs. "Quite the spectacle, tending to the aged, providing sustenance for the destitute, and offering refuge to the wanderers."

“Well, it hasn't changed much,” says Sole, following the humor of the mocker.

Nick approaches and hugs them. "The more I come to know you, the more I find myself growing fond of you."

Sole appears indefinitely nervous, and Nick becomes too. By making the gesture that he has just too naturally provided, he is now persuaded that Sole's discomfort is, as often as not, because he is a synth and not another human being.

"Well, let's extract this particular piece of furniture, shall we?" he says quickly.

Sole observes him for a bit, realising that their friend is now more uncomfortable than they are, and knowing how self-aware he is, they place a warm hand on his shoulder. "By the way, thanks for helping me."

Nick smiles slightly. "It's always a real pleasure, partner.” And they each take their side of the cabinets.

Piper : "Are you jokin' with me?”

“What? It's insignificant."

“The damn Pulitzer Prize? Nothing? You really think I ain't aware of what it is?"

Sole seemed to be uneasy.

"I wrote an article criticizing the waste of resources in the movement of troops in Anchorage. It didn't turn me into a hero."

"But there's the Pulitzer Prize!"

"Do you really know what it is?"

Piper gives themm a mocking glance. "I’m a journalist, Sole. jour-na-list! Oh, you bet your sweet Nuka-Cola I know what it is!"

"I'm sorry for bugging you, but it's not like they're still do it."

"I understand, and I believe it's a shame. My McDonough story would've fetched me one, I tell ya..."

Sole bursts in laughter. "I'm convinced, too."

They resume the task without adding anything, but later that evening, Piper feels compelled to bring it back on the rug, for the damnation of Sole.

Preston : "A humanitarian award?"

Sole growls as they reclaims the article from Preston's grasp. "This must have been laminated by Nate/Nora. Shit…”

"A humanitarian award." Preston muses.

"In Africa, I dug wells to provide water to villages. It's not a huge deal. It was just another pastime for students with low self-esteem."

"You ventured all the way to Africa just to dig wells?"

"It was with a hundred other students. And there are many more. It was a common occurrence, I assure you."

"And did everyone receive a humanitarian award for that, General?"

Sole seemed to be uneasy.

"I may have started the nonprofit organisation that raised the most funds and travelled the furthest...However, it was in the past. I'm not even sure Africa exists anymore..."

Preston slaps Sole in the back while laughing heartily.

"You're that. The yearnin' to protect the world. I'm mighty proud to be your friend."

Sole gives a gentle smile. "You're more to me than just a friend, Preston. Everything is due to you."

"It's quite amusing, because that's exactly the sentiment I was about to express. Beginning with my life, in all senses."

Sole stares at the ceiling. They are occasionally irritated by Preston's approach, even though Preston is the great spirit who resurrected the Minutemen from its ashes. But if that pleases him, so be it. They take their place at their side of the furniture, and their Colonel gets the message.

"Ah, don't forget, tomorrow's is my humble abode, alright?”

"Too good." Sole grunts.

Strong : "What paper?"

"Stupidity of the past."

"Why Puny human hide paper?"

"Stupidity, I said. Sole piloted a plane to prevent it from collapsing on a skyscraper."

"What plane?"

"Stupidity. Can you get that piece of furniture out for me?"

Strong snatches the furniture with both hands and throws it through the window.

"Puny human furniture out."

Sole scratches their head. Sturges might have a hard time fixing it...

X6-88 : "Sir/Madam, is this document authentic?"

Sole growls as they grabs it from the Courser's hands. "It had to be Nora/Nate who laminated it."

"May I offer a remark?"

“No.”

Sole points to the other end of the cabinet to X6, and the synth rushes to take his position, but as they leave the house, he can't help but return his eyes to Sole from time to time. Sole exhausts their patience by travelling to Sturges to drop off their burden.

“What?”

"It is a privilege to be in the service of a genuine revolutionary in the field of modern medicine, and I cannot help but fathom the origins of Father's exceptional intellect."

"It was a laboratory accident that had a positive impact on humanity because my assistant was clever enough to capitalize on it and he was noble enough to give me the credit."

X6 adds nothing, yet on these rare occasions, a small smile extends across his lips. He has known for a long time that Sole is very modest, but he also knows that they are a particularly smart person, and he is not astonished to find that they distinguished themself even before the war.

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danses-with-dogmeat · 1 year

Text

Crushing Companions Headcannons Part 6

Alrighty, so it's time now for Part 6 of our lovely crushing companions! (Even though not all of them are technically ‘companions’, per say. Oh well.) And I’ve already got a full line-up for part 7, but as always, feel free to request more if there’s someone you haven’t yet seen! (As of now, #7 consists of Gob, Lieutenant Gorobets, Colonel Hsu, Mason, and Vulpes)

Included Below: Boone, Charon, The King, & Nick

(So, I got a request for The King to be with M!Six, and then Charon and Boone both got M! and F! Lone/Six requests, so I made Lone/Six GN 😅, and Nick just gets GN, cuz there was no specification)

Anyways, I hope you enjoy! <3

And thanks for everybody’s patience as well lately, I haven’t been as active as I hoped to be lately, but I’ve got some good prompts on the way here and a special little celebratory event that’ll be coming up pretty soon, so look out for that!

Links to the other crushing companions posts are at the bottom as well!

Boone:

They had come at just the right time. In more ways than one, Six had come into his life just when he needed them. It was just a fortunate happenstance, that some stranger rolled into town just as he was conducting his search for the bastard that ruined what was left of his life, that destroyed everything that mattered to him.

But they’d helped him. Without a second thought, without a shred of selfishness, without pleads for payment he didn’t have, without propositioning him, Six had agreed to help him get some semblance of closure for what had happened. When it was done, he was almost… he didn’t know... It felt nice. To have a sort of explanation, to have someone to blame besides himself, and to have... a partner in something again, even if it was in finding out who was responsible for the death of everything he loved.

For the first time since Carla… Boone hadn’t been alone.

But he knew it was selfish. He was a timebomb, the explosive payment for his past crimes and sins just waiting to engulf another person he could maybe one day have the potential to care about. And yet… when they asked him to accompany them, he just… he couldn’t refuse. Maybe it was his body’s last-ditch effort to survive whatever neglectful end he was planning for it, or maybe he really did want to protect the person who’d helped him find just some shred of peace in what had happened to him. To her. To them.

It didn’t matter why, he supposed. Whatever got him out of that town was saving him. But Six did more than that. With them, he felt like… he hadn’t been saved for nothing. For more suffering. For more payment for what he’s done. They didn’t just keep him alive, they made him feel like it was worth it to still be alive. It was a strange feeling.

Their sweet laugh, coming as effortlessly to them as breathing does for most, even when it felt to him as impossible as swallowing nails whole. Their goofy, playful antics that made him feel his age for the first time in as long as he could remember. The way they danced by the campfire as he sat gloomily cleaning his rifle, the way they kicked up dust just to see the shape of the clouds that formed from it, how, despite being in the goddamned Mojave, they found strange plants and small flowers that they never failed to point out to him, that they would always try to pick to “brighten their journey.” They were frightening, with the amount of trust they had in the world, they were blissfully ignorant, but smart in the way that they knew how life was meant to be lived. Boone had never figured out that trick.

Or… he had, he supposed. He had known how to be happy once. He knew what it was like to look forward to what life had to offer, had known what it was to see the beauty in the small things, how to appreciate what he had. Boone supposed that’s why it hurt so much now, why he feels so hollow…

Feels? Or… Felt?

The smiles began to come easier when he was with Six. As meager as they are, they’re there, in his light eyes, hidden behind his dark shades, a small glint of amusement, of wonder, of… affection for the person beside him.

It took time, but it wore at him. Like a river grinding the land down to form a canyon, creating new grooves, revealing the earth underneath; Six’s optimistic nature, their infectious good mood, their genuine care for him… It wore down his stone defenses, and brought out a side in him that he’d buried deep underneath.

Boone never thought it would be possible, and even if, somehow, it was, he knew he’d never be able to entertain the thought of allowing someone in again, of caring for someone that way again. It would be selfish, it would be akin to a death sentence. A death sentence… or worse. But with Six, he could at least allow himself to be… happy, for a time.

That too was a strange feeling. But for the first time since he lost all he had, it was there. Without his permission, without his knowledge, even, but that odd sort of happiness was there. Six had noticed it too. He could see in the way the regarded him when the smallest of grins touched his lips, a bit of fondness for him, mixed with relief at his expression being something other than stern or somber. When he looked them in the eye, instead of down at the floor, or a thousand yards past them, he could see that subtle spark glinting within their irises.

To see him happy was their goal. It brought them a sort of joy that he could only understand because it’s how he felt with Carla. To see her smile because of something he’d done, it was like the first rays of sunshine after a night spent smothered in ice. It was blissful, it was like solace from every bad memory and every cold word spoken within his consciousness, it warmed him from the inside out, and he could see that same sort of warmth emanating from Six now, when he shared with them that miniscule grin he didn’t think it would be possible to muster after everything he’d been through.

...Was it possible, then… Could they feel for him what he felt for Carla? Was he… beginning to feel it in return?

If they did feel that way for him, Six was patient. It was years, it was so much time spent with only the other for company. Years of being at Six’s side, of them being at his, before they made their feelings more clear, before their affections were more than a glint in their eye and fond smile in his direction. It was clear. They respected him enough not to push or pry. They waited until he was ready to move on, to move forward and away from his horribly tragic and painful past. And that too, was what made him realize the depths of his feelings.

They waited for him. Even when they didn’t need to, when they could’ve told him the truth, when they could have pursued someone else entirely, but they didn’t want to pressure him, to leave him, to hurt him, to make him hurt himself, with all of the guilt that would surface at him moving on like that, moving on too early.

In the end, Six was… they were too much for him to bear to force himself away from. He couldn’t be without them, and they needed him as well. He didn’t want to be without them, and even knowing what he knew about his fate, what he believed would haunt him for the rest of his remaining days, it couldn’t keep him from them. Because it couldn’t keep Six from him either. He told them the risks, he made it clear that it frightened him more than anything, for them to be by his side like this… for him to have the possibility of losing them too. Of being responsible for losing them. Yet, they stayed. He couldn’t even force them away, not if he tried, but how could he try? He wanted them here. Needed them.

Boone was going around in circles in his head. More silent even than usual as he paced around the desert in search of ‘firewood’. There was never any to be found, and yet, now he was looking. He was searching a long time, desperate to find the answer to his innermost questions within the shifting dunes of sand and nothingness.

Eventually, Six called him back. With what few twigs they’d managed to find, they’d built a meager fire, and now invited him to sit within the line of it’s warm, orange glow. The still sands danced under the writhing illumination, but even with the added light, the answer to his musings remained in shadow in Boone’s mind.

“Something’s been bothering you.” Six told him as they sat by his side. Boone only nodded to them.

'Something’s always bothering him.' Boone could imagine their thoughts so vividly, it was almost like they’d said them aloud.

“Anything I can do to help?” They asked him slowly, already knowing the answer, but, as always, asking anyway.

“Maybe.” Boone uttered, much to their surprise. His eyes fell to their face as they smiled at him. They merely looked on as Boone failed to elaborate.

How can I tell them the truth, when I’m not even certain of it myself? I know I… I feel strongly about them, and it’s undoubtable that they feel the same for me somehow, they’ve made that clear enough, but… Can I really breathe the truth of it? Sentence them to a life with me, a life I know they’d be more than happy to give for me, but one they could lose all the more easily by the simple fact of me being the one to care about them… But that’s their decision. And yet... this would be me enabling something that I know will lead only to more pain for them. How could it lead to anything else? How could I knowingly force that fate on them?

A hand on his shoulder tore Boone from the swirling thoughts raging in his mind. His eyes caught Six’s. Their eyebrows were drawn together in concern, their expression was nothing short of pleading, and the light caught in their brilliant irises, emphasizing the distinct glisten along their waterline. Six was so close to him.

“Maybe…?” They whispered, gently prodding his consciousness to connect to his tongue and form words of explanation. Boone relented to it. To his urge to spill the truth, to their pleading eyes, to the insistent grip of their hand upon his shoulder.

It’s their decision. But after everything, they deserve to know the whole truth.

“Maybe… you could help me forget.” He murmured, his warm breath fanning over their lips, so close to his before he felt himself so subtly leaning forward. Forward, and into them.

Six’s grasp on him tightened, even as he heard their surprised squeak as his lips pressed to theirs, but despite their shock, they never pulled away. Not when he pressed into them, not when his hands wrapped around them to pull them closer, not when he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. They only mirrored him. Their hands found their way around him to pull him tighter to them, their lips kneaded his and they pressed forward forcefully until he felt like they were one.

Boone was never one for too many words. He even had trouble writing his feelings, had difficulty discerning them in his mind and heart, how was he supposed to just spout them out into the air? No, he said all he could with this action, with the words he did choose to speak aloud. And Six knew how to read him, how to listen and know what he was saying, without more than a glance. This certainly would be loud enough for them to decipher.

That, and they’d been waiting to hear this. Since the day he agreed to follow them, to protect them, he was making moves towards being able to move on. It was painful, and frightening and beyond difficult for a man to do such a thing after losing so much. But it was all proof that one day he could get to this point. They weren’t sure how long it would take, or even if it would ever happen to this extent, but Six wasn’t going to give up on him. Whether or not he ever felt for them what they’d felt for him so early on, they would be there for him. More than happy to help him move on, and honored to be the one to help him forget that overwhelming pain he’d been in before they met him. They didn’t always think it was possible, and of course, Boone didn’t either, but now… Now he supposed they’ll have to find out the same way they’d done everything since they met that night in the dinosaur’s mouth. Together.

Charon:

In the end, all employers are the same. They all have unique methods, but no matter what they use him for, they're inevitably still using him. Even those that have convinced themselves that Charon would stay beside them, should the contract miraculously vanish. Even those who've said they think of him as a partner, as a friend, as family; inevitably, they all wind up using him.

The ones who convince themselves that he cares for them in return are the worst though. Those under this disillusionment that he's happy being their slave. Charon isn't happy. He never is. A man like him doesn’t have that luxury.

The first taste of illusive joy that he's experienced in… what, a few decades? Came when Lone took a hold of his contract. He wasn't sure why they'd been so adamant about claiming his "devotion" as their own, but it didn't matter. The best part of that transaction came from the freedom it granted him. The freedom to destroy the monster who had held his leash for so long, who'd made him do unspeakable things, who’d always managed to find some sick joy in the way he abused his power over his slave. He had always treated Charon like he wasn't a person at all, like he never had been. Killing Ahzrukhal, without an ounce of hesitation… that almost made Charon happy. It was the closest he’d come to it that he could remember.

Charon didn't think any more would come from Lone holding his contract. As a person they seemed… normal, for the most part. A little more helpless and fragile than most wastelanders, a bit emotional, and more sensitive than most he's met. And yet, he's had employers that thought they would be different, that assured him they would never take advantage of him, they would tell him of their intentions to free him, even, if they had the chance. It never worked out that way though. In the end, they're all the same.

And Lone would be no different. He told himself that constantly. Even as they asked his opinion, even as they took his advice, when they requested he take a break, or they gifted him ammunition or food; and even when he had expressly told them it wouldn't be necessary, when they asked him to rest and insisted they would take the night watch in his place, he still managed to convince himself that, in the end, Lone would be like everyone else.

Until the day that it changed. That something in his mind, and deep in his chest seemed to shift. The day was one he'll never forget.

Charon was used to close calls, the Capital Wasteland was a dangerous place, he knew that better than most, but when those raiders had fired at the pair of them when his back was turned, when they caught them by surprise and Charon had discovered that the mad bastards had rigged a car bomb, he thought that that would have been the end to his overly long, and tumultuous life. But Lone had not allowed it.

Seeing his partner, his employer, his owner by all rights and accounts, leap into him, thrusting themself into danger and almost certain death in order to preserve his own life… it was something he didn't expect. Not from anyone. Not ever.

His ‘life’ could hardly be deemed as such. It felt, on most days, that he was more machine than man, he consisted only of what he could do for someone else, and nothing more. On his own, Charon’s life was meaningless, the ones who’d destroyed his past self in that vault made certain of that. Without an owner, without a contract, he would be nothing. But Lone apparently disagreed. And they deemed his existence important enough to snuff out their own in favor of it… He didn’t understand.

After the account, after Charon had downed the remaining raiders and pulled Lone from the car wreckage they’d shoved him away from, he felt bound to their side throughout their recovery in Rivet City. Not because of his contract, that would have forced him to remain by their side regardless, but even of his own free will, he would have stayed… That was a first.

Even as they recovered and slowly took to roaming the wastes together once more, Charon would remain relatively unchanged... On the outside, that is. Inside there would be quite the conflict raging between his temples, and within his chest he would be struggling with these… no, he couldn’t call them feelings. That’s not what they were. Surely it had to be guilt, for the way they threw themself into danger in order to protect him. That was meant to be his job. Maybe it was just his own feelings of inadequacy that drove him to make it up to his charge, but he felt that he wanted to be at their side, almost all the time now. He’d despised each and every one of his past “employers,” no matter how benevolent they seemed, how good they thought they were. To him, they were just still owners. But with Lone… How could things be so different?

Their friendly attitude and comfortability with physical touch didn’t make it any damn easier. Who was he to call them on it when their hands bumped together as they walked side-by-side, or to refuse their head on his shoulder after a long day of wandering? How could he turn them away from grasping onto him when they were afraid? Or pressing against him when they were cold? It wasn’t his place to deny Lone that. Still though, it was the first time Charon could remember allowing such contact without so much as a flinch. There was no order for him to tolerate their physical contact, no request to reciprocate, and though he hadn’t gone so far as to reach out for them of his own accord, despite this lack of their command, he didn’t want to pull away.

Though later, he’d even find himself starting to unconsciously respond to these sorts of tendencies of his own accord. Pushing himself closer to Lone when he felt them shiver, slightly extending his arm so they could better hold onto it when strange noises sounded in the darkness, leaving his hand to linger within grasping distance, rather than pulling it away when their fingers brushed his own. Even as they joked with the stoic ghoul, if one looked closely, they could see the way his ruined lips would twitch upwards, the subtle way his brow would unfurrow, just for a moment. Even he hardly seemed to notice these new tendencies of his. After a while though, they became increasingly more difficult to ignore.

One night, as the pair sat beside one another by the fire, Lone preparing their bedroll and Charon cleaning his gun, he decided to address his original question. The instance that had avalanched into these touches, these musings of something more than the relationship between employee and charge, these strange, indescribable and damn near indecipherable feelings he felt blooming uncharacteristically within himself. He needed to know why things had changed. He told them he wanted to ask them a question, he was clear and concise, no wordier than he needed to be as he briefly reminded them of that day they’d thrown themself onto the threshold of the afterlife in place of him. He could still see the constant reminders of that day, etched in their flame-ravaged skin, ironically aglow with the orange haze of the campfire.

“That day… the car. Why did you push me aside?” He finally fixed his icy eyes to theirs as they looked away in thought. There was a brief silence as they considered his inquiry, and Charon only just realized he’d been holding his breath as they turned back to him with a sheepish smile. “I thought you knew…” They said, rather cryptically. Charon frowned, releasing the breath he’d been holding through his meager nostrils, the sound suggesting a snort.

“Sorry, I just… I thought it was obvious.” They continued with a shrug, “But I did it because I was afraid of losing you.”

“... Because there would be no one to protect you.” He suggested, something deep within his subconscious screaming that he knew that shit wasn’t true. That it couldn’t just be that.

Lone considered his vocal thought anyways, shaking their head at him firmly. “It wasn’t that. I just… I care about you, Charon. I didn’t want to lose you, because I’d miss you if you were gone, I… I wouldn’t know what to do.” Lone was fiddling with their own fingers by the end of it, looking down at their lap as Charon’s brows became progressively more furrowed.

There had been some past owners of his who claimed this very thing as well. That they cared about him. Like he was their friend, or like family to them… But it was always bullshit. There was nothing to keep him from thinking this time would be any different, except… Lone had proven that they cared. Enough to bet their own damn life on it. A life they both knew was worth a hell of a lot more than his own. That was one thing no one, not in his past life, not in this current existence, no owners, no friends, no family, no one had ever done for him.

No one except Lone.

Hell, he could hardly recall a time someone had merely inconvenienced themselves in order to help him, but this? There was a reason the action had elicited such a lasting response from him. He often replayed the memory in his mind, not only unnerved by the feel of the blistering heat, the crash of his body against the hard concrete, the deafening sound of the explosion, but by the horrifying realization that he was about to lose his companion. Even more unsettling, was the realization that that was something he cared about.

How long? He didn’t know. Perhaps it had all hit him at once, alongside Lone when they barreled into him, the affection being forced into him with the same such aggression of their body crashing into his.

Or perhaps it had been festering since that first day. The one where they freed him from Ahzrukhal and told him he’d never be treated so harshly and unfairly again, building with every day they spent catering to his wants, the ones he wasn’t aware he even still had.

With every conversation where they asked his opinion, with every time they suggested he rest, or they offered him a bite of their food even when he’d assured them he didn’t want any. With the silly half hand holds and the nights spent with their head resting against some part of him that felt so oddly warm, but not uncomfortable, not like he expected. With every look they cast him and every protective wave he felt wash over him when they were in danger, not because the contract made it so, but because he was genuinely afraid for the first time in decades.

Afraid to lose Lone, like he thought that he did that day the explosion seemed to devour them and every good thing that they brought into his poor excuse for a life. He did everything in his power to salvage every part of them that he could that day, to hold together the small fragments of hope and life and goodness that they brought to him in such meager quantities by their own standards, but by his own, were worth more than all the riches and comforts he’d seen in his many years upon the earth.

He could have let them die.

He could have been free.

But without Lone, what the hell was freedom worth?

The realization was like a blow to the stomach, making him ache inside like a firebrand had been pressed to his heart.

He must’ve been quiet a long while, he realized, as Lone slowly drew their hand over his forearm, giving it a gentle squeeze as their concerned expression blurred into focus. Charon blinked once as his mouth caught up with his mind, the words forming on his lips before his conscience could reel them back in.

“Me too.” he murmured.

“You… what?” Lone’s brows scrunched together as Charon’s gaze fell to their hand resting on his arm. Why would I withhold the truth from them? What could that possibly cause me to gain? His mind worked over the idea, the burning in his chest persisting to maddening degrees that ascended to heat the apples of his strong cheekbones and sear the tips of what’s left of his ears. Before he could consider what he could stand to lose, should his confession be taken poorly, Charon parted his lips.

“I was afraid.” he told them quietly, “That day. I couldn’t lose you, could not let you die… not in my place. Not at all. I wouldn't know what to do if I wasn’t protecting you.”

Their hand released his arm at the sound of his words, and Charon found himself sucking in an involuntary breath. He refused to meet his companion’s gaze, opting to gaze downward, as he was once taught to do in the presence of his employer.

“Charon…” Lone’s hand ghosted over his heated cheek, fingers splaying gently under his chin to pull his eyes to meet theirs. “What are you saying?”

Despite the usual knee-jerk reaction that another’s touch would elicit, Charon allowed their hand to guide his gaze to them. Their pleading expression pulled it from him, that, and his own overwhelming desire to tell them the truth, to say to them what he’d never felt the urge to say before, not with anyone.

“Lone, I… I don’t want to belong to anyone else.” He said lowly, the soft light of the campfire making his eyes glisten with this uttered truth. “I don’t know who I am when I’m not by your side, and… I like who you allow me to be.”

Something fluttered in Charon’s stomach as Lone smiled up at him. “I like who you are too.” They looked away, almost shyly, and Charon found himself smirking. Has anyone ever reacted to me like that? He couldn’t recall, but that didn’t matter. Just this one time, and he was hooked. Lone would look like that again if he had anything to say about it, to do about it, even. “I like that you can be yourself with me…” They whispered, and though Charon’s smirk persisted, their smile withered and faded.

“But you don’t belong to me, Charon. You don’t belong to anyone anymore.” Lone paused before continuing, and as much as Charon felt like he should refute that statement of theirs, he couldn’t interrupt.

“If I were gone, if I’d died,” They said slowly, “would that mean… would you have been free?”

“No.” He told them firmly, not entirely sure how truthful that statement was. “And I wouldn’t want to be... You can deny it all you want, but I do belong to you.”

Lone’s nostrils flared, and they opened their mouth, but Charon spoke first.

“And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Lone’s mouth closed slowly, almost reluctantly, but they seemed satisfied enough by his words. He hoped they were happy with them, because they really were the truth. The ex-vault dweller just sighed, a small smile creeping across their face tentatively as they shifted in their seat, scooching close enough that they could place a hand over his and lean their head against his arm.

“If you’re happy,” They spoke up, “then I’m happy too. And… If you say you belong to me, then I guess I can’t really argue that.” They paused after that, holding their breath, their hand tense over his and Charon waited patiently for them to continue, as they clearly wished to.

“But I do have one condition, if that’s the case.” They picked their head up and turned to face him as he looked down at their nervous expression. “I want to belong to you too.”

Charon’s brows lifted high on his head and he felt something leap unnaturally in his chest and sear something deep within him. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but those words did something to him. Charon didn’t know how to respond properly, wasn’t entirely sure if they meant what it seemed like they were saying, but if they wanted to be his… He knew he wanted that too. More than he remembers wanting anything. More than he wanted revenge, more than he wanted to be truly human again, more than he wanted to be free, he wanted Lone to be his.

Not in the way he was Ahzrukhal’s, or anyone else's, not in the way some animal belongs to their owner, but in the way gunpowder belongs in the barrel of his rifle, the way the sea belongs on the surface of this world, the way shadows belong where the sun can’t reach. It completed him, it complimented him, it just belonged. Like nature, like utility, like necessity, Lone and him belonged.

With that much decided, Charon nodded to them, and Lone smiled. It was a relieved, toothy, beautiful thing, and Charon found his hand accepting theirs as they grasped at him, and his head leaning into their own as they rested against him once more, shifting slightly to ease their body closer to his, and staying there all through the night. His eyes were locked on the persisting flames before him as the air grew cooler, and his mind replayed those words Lone had spoken so quietly over and over again, renewing that jump in his chest each time, and cementing them in his mind as firmly as the words of his binding contract.

The King x M!Six:

He just didn’t have the look. Bless the boy, but he didn’t have the look of a king. He was a right good sorta bloke, heart o’ gold an’ a good head on his shoulders. Banged up a lil bit, but who in the Mojave wasn’t? But darn it, he was no king. An’ maybe that wasn’t somethin’ so bad. All the good Six done in Freeside, he was worth more than ten of his own boys. Maybe he didn’t have the look, the black hair, the light eyes, the cleft in his chin, but he had more than enough heart.

When that stranger started doin’ all his good in King’s side of town, completely unprompted, he knew he had to have a chat with the lad. The whole conversation was pleasant. Six was… He was just good. Something The King wasn’t well accustomed to. There was always something people like Six wanted. Do-gooders don’t do no good unless they get something out of it. Caps, company, accolades, freedom to do as they pleased, no matter the law of the area. He’s seen it so many damn times. Was a real shame.

So he kept asking the man, “What is it you want outta this place?” And Six would only ever shrug. He wanted to ‘make a difference,’ he’d say.

The King’s eyebrows drew together in thought, and stayed there until the end of their conversation, but rose high on his forehead at what Six offered to help him with. The King had been worried sick about Rex for weeks now, thinking the poor hound dog was just gonna meet his end, but what SIx offered… he didn’t even know if it was possible, but he’d be darned if he didn’t let the man try.

All the time Six was away, doing his level best to find a brain replacement for King’s companion, The King couldn’t keep his mind from straying to all that the courier had said. Everything he offered was selfless; he was honorable, truly a good man in a world of sleazy, self-absorbed knuckleheads.

Six didn’t ask for nothing, even when he returned his Rex to him, when his pup was all better, like the old dog hadn’t been in ages. King would’ve done damn near anything, would've given the man time in his rooms, with all the perks that come with it, would’ve provided caps, chips to any casino, a passport to get onto the strip, would’ve given the man his own kidney for what he done for his dear old dog, but, as he was gettin’ used to, Six didn’t want a sweet nothin’ of it.

“Still just doing what I can to help out.” The boy said, with an easy smile and a small shrug. King had to wonder if there was something wrong with him.

“It may be you don’t want nothin’, friend, but I’m gonna do somethin’ nice for ya anyway.” King would tell him, even as he scratched Rex under the chin and gave him a pat as he stood up. “C’mon now. We’re gonna do somethin’ fun.”

He’d take him out on the town. The King’s way. The finest food, the coolest spots, getting waited on, having a ball of a time. Dancing, drinking, meeting and greeting, getting treated like… well, like kings. Yet still… Six was just his old self.

King watched him closely all night, looking for what made his watch tick, what made his heart a-pound, what he really wanted, and still, there was only that kindness, that obliviousness to all that was wrong and greedy about the world. It was damn refreshing to be around someone like that.

After that night… things changed. King knew it, soon as the next morning came and Six was back on his merry way, out there ‘makin’ a difference’ in the Mojave. King couldn’t keep his mind off the boy. Not like when he was out with Rex, not curious and detached, these thoughts were more… intimate. He wanted to have another night like that. He wanted to spend more time with him, to be around that refreshing attitude, to see that explosive smile light up the room like a beam from a spotlight, wanted to hear that laugh that roused him from all his own pessimism about the world, about Freeside and Mr. House, and everything goin’ wrong around him. It made him feel new. Six made him feel like a brand new man, like a kid with a ball instead of a switchblade, a dog with a rubber toy and not some discarded limb. There was a… blissful denseness to that courier, a willing ignorance of the true nature of the bloodthirsty and unforgiving Mojave, and to be around it was to be transported to the kind, sweet world that Six lived in. King wanted to spend more time in that world. Heck, he could spend all of his time in that world, and not find a damn thing to complain about.

So, every time the courier was back in town, King would be the first to know. He’d take him out on the town again, treat him to a nice dinner, or just sit and chat with him about what’s been going on. The King called ‘em ‘meetings,’ but really, he just needed to see him.

“Well… uh, nothing’s actually really happened since yesterday.” Six would say with a smile, politely wondering why, in fact, he was back in The King’s office for the third time in three days, per the gang leader’s request.

“N-nothing? Oh, right, yeah…”

He had to tell him. Sometime, The King had to mention that the reason he wanted so badly to speak to him, the reason he always finds himself back here in this office, with the black-haired man by his side, is that… Well, he just couldn’t get enough of the boy.

“See… Thing is, Six, I just… I needed to see ya. Not for a business reason, nothing like that, I just…” He sighed as Six’s expression grew more confused. “Is it too strange for me to tell ya I like spending time with you?”

It sounded so damn clunky. Nothing like how he was supposed to be. Suave, carefree, confident… But it was honest as all heck.

“I…” Six looked down at his feet, then back to King’s deep blue eyes. There was a little somethin’ extra in ‘em now, The King noticed. “I like spending time with you too, King. I don’t think it’s strange at all, actually.” He chuckled, almost nervously. It made King’s chest flutter in a strange sorta way. Not even his girls made him flutter like that…

“Well, that’s mighty fine to hear, Six.” A chuckle of his own escaped him, “Mighty fine…” He couldn’t tear his eyes from the courier, and without his express direction, his body scooted closer to the man in front of him, the knuckles of his hands brushed against Six’s where they were folded upon the table. Now normally, when brushin’ hands with one of his men, one of the kings, it was a mistake. He would pull away from ‘em, none too subtly, none too quickly. But this time… Well, Six wasn’t one of the kings…

He didn’t pull away. And neither did Six.

“Mighty fine?” Six chuckled, almost nervously, and his hands scooted further forward on the table, allowing King’s to engulf them.

“Yeah…” King’s brain was filled with fog and fizz and a million other things. He couldn’t see a dang thing in there, couldn’t see common sense, nor self-awareness, nor inhibition. He was too focused on Six.

The man who was good. Who was kind, selfless, good-hearted, who didn’t have the look of a king, but only because he looked like nothing the old gang leader had ever seen. A smile that made him ache like a hot-blooded teenager, eyes so bright and full that he could get lost in them, a touch that made him shiver with electricity, like all the neon in New Vegas. The courier captured his attentions just as easy as the bright, wild town, but it kept ahold of them like nothin’ he’d ever seen nor felt. Maybe this path wasn’t right for them, for him. He’s just an old gang leader, after all. Six wasn’t… wasn’t what was expected of him, and he sure as heck wasn’t the obvious choice for someone like Six, but… Even if it meant a surefire trip on a one-way road that lead straight to Heartbreak hotel, The King couldn’t take his eyes off the man in front of him. He couldn’t draw his hands away, and when he found himself leaning forward across the table, tilting his head, closing his eyes only to better feel the touch he was about to initiate, he couldn’t stop himself.

And Six couldn’t pull away neither.

If the courier’s hand in his was like lightning, his kiss was an atom bomb. It was explosive, it was warm, and it turned all else to ash. Every thought against this, every inner prejudice, every uncertainty, any fear of anything, of rejection, or commitment, of his own feelings overwhelming him, as they often seem to. It was all cast away, and just the feeling of him was etched into the walls of his mind, like the shadow of the man himself. The King reveled in it, like he was tasting a sweet song, and Six gave his thunderous applause in return, the delectable praise of reciprocation that left The King wanting.

“Golly geeze, Mary and Joseph, Six.” King whispered as he pulled away, just far enough that their noses were still brushing. “I hadn’t meant for it to go so far… But I honestly say I can’t regret it.”

Six smiled at him. His face was flushed, his eyes still that startling bright. “You know, King... I can’t say I do either. That was...”

King smiled at that, a beaming, broad thing that showed all his pearly whites and crinkled those blue eyes.

“Mighty fine?” He suggested with a chuckle.

“Yeah...Mighty fine...” Six laughed, a sound like soft bells or a finely-tuned piano. The King sure could get used to a sound like that, to a feeling like this one that Six inspires in him. Like music to his ears and a song in his heart. For the first time since he’d met the boy, he felt at peace. There were no distracting thoughts and frustrations, no confounding questions, no terrifying uncertainties. There was only Six, and that little serene world he took with him everywhere he went. Finally, The King felt like he was truly a part of it. And it was just as blissful as he’d ever imagined.

Nick:

The old synth was content for it to be this way. It’d been ages since he’d had a good partner like this, and it’d been… well, never since he’d had someone in his life like Sole. He wasn’t about to put that at risk for something he wasn’t even sure he was capable of having.

Sure, the old Nick, well... he and Jenny had been a gleaming item, a gem of a pair, but this Nick had never so much as had someone to unwind with like that, to come home to, to call his sweetheart, and he’d been alright with it. All this time, and he couldn’t really complain. He had good friends, a good setup, a job he loved, now he had Sole. Nick is many things, but he’d like to hope he’s not a greedy man, and this would be no different than anything else. He wouldn’t take any more than was due, and Sole and him… well, the two had a good thing going. Why would he ever want to jeopardize that by demanding more?

But damn did they make it hard.

The way that ex-vault dweller looked at him… Like he was a person, like he meant something to them. A whole lot of something. He couldn’t quite be sure what it was. He’s been told he comes off as quite the father figure, and he sure feels old enough to be deemed that to ‘em, but it could also be friendship, pure and simple.

But could it be more?

Nick thought he could shake away the thoughts, but no matter how he tried to distract himself from their wily and persistent charms, he never quite could seem to escape it. All the late nights spent at the Agency with them by his side, all those long days, the close calls, the hotel rooms and shallow dives, the cozy campfires, Sole wearing his coat, knocking the brim of his hat playfully, their comforting embrace after he told them about Jenny, their sympathy and their help when it came to Eddie Winter… How the hell was he supposed to ignore all that?

He didn’t want it to be too obvious, but by the time the pair of them had finally downed his oldest enemy and put that case to sleep with the mirelurks, he could hardly stand to hold it in. Their friendship, partnership was so strong, that it felt like the next natural progression. Sole was so comfortable with him, with the way he looks, talks, and operates as a detective and as a person, and as for him? Well, he knew them and their habits like the back of his own skeletal hand. Call it an occupational perk, but his attention to detail is immaculate, and Sole was no exception there. Every word sliding off their tongue, every joke and observation, every story, and he retained it like it was gonna be on a damn quiz. The way they look, disgruntled and sleepy in the early mornings, spritely and bright-eyed on the rare days they’ve had proper sleep, the way they clean up nicer than any wastelander he’s ever seen on their days in the city… Nick didn’t miss a damn thing. Some days, he’d wish he did. Then maybe he would be able to keep his big mouth shut.

The compliments he’d been so guarded with started to flow more easily, his conversation became much less measured, not that he’s ever been particularly stingy with his words, but he’s always wanted people to feel like they’ve earned his praise and his more personal information, and Sole, well, they’ve more than become truly entitled to it all. This though, the confession… Yeah, that might well be taking it too far.

He hoped it was vague enough not to hint to his true feelings, what sorta entitlement did an old bot like him have to their affections anyhow? They were already the best damn partner he’s ever had, shouldn’t that be enough? Even if Ellie says no, if Piper keeps asking when he’s gonna tell Sole the truth of it all, he should be able to make his own decisions, right? And all signs pointed to a confession like that not turning out too well for him, if Sole had any sense, that is.

Apparently though, and Nick means it in the kindest way possible, but apparently, Sole didn’t have any damn sense. They were able to decipher his meaning though. Figures. Suppose spending that much time with him’ll do that.

As with most things, Nick tried to be classy about the whole thing, as unintentional as it all really was. Synths,– well, synths like him anyway– they can’t get drunk, least far as he knows, but there was something about that night. That night at the Third Rail, the lights dim, the VIP room quiet as a bar could ever be, the air warm enough for his body to sense it, and yet Sole still pressed their leg against his where they sat together in the little sofa. He’d chuckled, a deep pleasant sound, as they mentioned Irma’s name with a cocked brow and a smile in their eyes.

“What’s your story with the sexy lady at the Memory Den? She seemed to know you pretty well, seemed to hint at something between the two of you.”

“Caught that, eh?” Nick had looked away, almost bashfully, but he’d never admit that. “Well, yeah, we know each other, sure. Worked on quite a few cases, had a couple of late nights at the office, you know.” His good hand fidgeted with the loose screw on his other wrist.

“Oh?” Sole’s eyebrows rose high on their forehead, their body leaned into his, trying to squeeze out the whole truth his words. Nick smiled at that, knowing the whole of it himself, it wasn’t near as interesting as Irma made it out to be, but… Sole didn’t necessarily have to know that.

He wasn’t sure why he was hinting like this, playing with them. Maybe he just wanted them to think he was desirable; that a human, one as striking as Irma, could have some fond… ah, intimate memories with him, with a body like his. Maybe then they’d see more than just the old hunk of metal and plastic he was sure most folks chalked him up to. Still though, it didn’t feel great to be dishonest with ‘em like this…

“Well, how well did you two know each other? Was she enough to pierce that Valentine heart of yours?” One of Sole’s fingers came up to poke playfully at his chest, and he reveled at the feeling of their touch over the fabric of his stiff button-up shirt as they laughed at their own little jest. Nick swallowed hard, feigning a smile through his nervousness.

There was leading ‘em on, an’ then there was flat out lying, and he wouldn’t do that to Sole. Odds are, no matter what he said, it wasn’t gonna change how they felt about him, how they viewed him, so he may as well just tell ‘em the truth of it. Nick took a breath, his chest feeling oddly tight as he turned his bright, yellow eyes to them and spoke.

“Oh, she was nice an’ all, still is, but no, I didn’t know her that well. We just flirted a bit, that was all.” Sole opened their mouth to speak, but Nick continued swiftly. If he was gonna do this, he best just get it done. Else he’d lose his nerve.

“And there’s only one special person who's been able to pierce this old synth’s steely heart.”

Their brows furrowed, wheels turning in their head as they considered his veiled confession. He could see every thought in their eyes, hear it like they were speaking aloud.

Jenny? No, he said synthetic heart, and that was the old Nick. Maybe Ellie? No, surely that would’ve come up by now. If it’s not Irma… Who else has he talked about? Who else has he met? Are they even still alive?

“And that, partner, is you.”

He hardly even registered the words. They left his mouth without his guidance, and made it to Sole’s ears before he had a chance to bat an eyelid, to take a breath, to consider any alternatives to just releasing the unbridled truth right out into the world for them to make swift judgment on it. He just hoped they were merciful.

“M-me?” They sputtered, pulling away from him until their bodies were no longer in contact. Nick tried not to flinch at the loss. “Why? No, how? I-I mean, how long, Nick?”

Suppose it already could’ve gone much worse…

“Oh, awhile. I, uh, sort of began to notice when we were hunting down the Eddie Winter tapes, but I didn’t–”

“It’s been that long?! The Eddie Winter– Nick, that was months ago!” The whole sofa shook from Sole’s surprise, their voice loud enough to drown out Magnolia’s song for a moment as Nick tried to predict the outcome of this conversation. At the moment, he had no idea whether it was going well or not.

“Why am I just hearing about this now?” Their voice was calmer, more gentle, earnest, and Nick’s chest warmed as they placed a hand on his arm, gripping it just enough to keep him grounded in this moment.

“I’ll be honest with you, I’m not sure. Just… never knew how you were gonna take it. Not every day you find out some metal man has got feelings for ya.” He chuckled dryly as he looked down at the floor. Sole’s lack of any sort of laughter of their own, or any other verbal response made the whirring in his head seem deafeningly loud.

“Nick.” They said it softly, their other hand reaching up to pull his chin in their direction, to lock his downturned gaze with their concerned one. “You’re so much more than that. I know you know that. And you know that I believe that. I have from the beginning, since I met you. And, if you would have told me, when you realized…”

“Sole.” Nick could see the struggle in their expression, the way, he was sure, they were trying to let him down easy, trying to hold back so they wouldn’t hurt him, and he was reminded of just how kind and selfless they were. It was one of the things he loved most about ‘em. “You don’t have to make excuses for me. I know pretty well where we stand, and I’m damn happy to have you as a pa–”

Sole’s fingers locked their grip on his chin, keeping him in place as they thrust their face forward and crashed their soft lips to his. Nick’s brow rose high on his head, but he never even considered pulling away.

He didn’t have the same type of feeling humans did, didn’t feel as easily as the old Nick did, but damn, he felt this in every square inch of his synthetic body. Not just the physical feeling of their warm softness pressing against him, the faint taste of their mouth against his, but the fireworks as they're often referred to, the jump in his chest, the whirring in his head, the electricity in his limbs, he couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt so… alive.

They didn’t hold themselves there for an eternity, though Nick wouldn’t have minded that, but pulled away after they’d made their point firmly enough. Still though, their words after the fact were more than welcome.

“If you’d have told me right when you realized, I wouldn’t have waited so long to do that. Think of all the time we wasted…” Sole shook their head, and Nick’s expression softened.

“Well then… In that case, if you’re sure,” He paused, looking to Sole for one last moment, testing for the hesitancy he couldn’t believe was absent thus far, and they nodded to him. Vigorously. Nick smiled at them broadly.

“Then I guess we’ve gotta make up for all that lost time.” Sole returned his gleeful look, and when he pressed forward, his good hand extending out to caress their cheek and pull them closer, they easily relented, and their lips met his halfway.

Thanks for reading! Here are the links to the previous parts as well!

Part 1 (Benny Joshua, & Hancock)

Part 2 (Arcade, Butch, Piper, Preston, & Veronica)

Part 3 (Benny, Butch, & Danse with M!Sole/Lone/Six)

Part 4 (Danse x F!Sole, Deacon, & X6-88)

Part 5 (Gage, MacCready, & Maxson)

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