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amazinglyegg · 10 months

Note

companions react to sole crying when they raise their voice at them

AWW this one's sad

For clarity I'm going with the idea that the companions aren't yelling at Sole out of anger (like, a low affinity talk) but more like they're either scolding Sole over something minor ("you could have gotten hurt! Be careful!") or ranting out loud about something unrelated and Sole is very sensitive to that sort of thing!

Companions react: Sole crying when yelled at

Includes Cait, Codsworth, Curie, Deacon, Desdemona, Danse, Hancock, Haylen, Maccready, Nick, Piper, Preston, Rhys, X6-88

Cait

Uhh. Fuck.

Cait is probably Least Capable of dealing with a crying person

First instinct might be to use tough love because that's what she uses on herself and it works fine

Like "Oh come on suck it up, it wasn't even that bad"

Actually starts to feel bad after a few moments though and will change trajectory into something more gentle

Gladly lets Sole have alone time if they ask because she really needs a minute to try and think of what to say

If Sole comes back completely ignoring what happened she'll also ignore it, but if they continue to seem upset she'll make the first move and actually apologizes

Very awkward with it, every sentence is like she's testing the waters for Sole's reaction.

The apology IS genuine, though, and Sole can tell just by how awkward she is about it. She won't just brush it off if Sole won't brush it off.

Codsworth

IMMEDIATE GUILT

Poor Codsworth would do a complete 180 and start comforting Sole

Sort of has a hard time if they want to be alone to collect themself, he's worried they'll hate him forever (he has a bit of separation anxiety after being alone for 200 years)

Will note exactly what made Sole cry and will never talk about that topic with that voice again

Like if they cried because he was worried about them getting hurt every interaction like that afterwards will be "You NEED to take better care of - I mean, please take better care of yourself please"

Curie

If Curie is raising her voice at Sole she's probably scolding them for not taking care of their health

She wants them to take care of themself but she didn't mean to make them so guilty they cry!!

She'll immediately comfort them and apologize for being so strict

100% mom friend, will not stop apologizing and trying to make it up to them via food and comfort

Gives Sole a hug and a forehead kiss and tucks them into bed with a warm cup of soup. Maybe cries a little

Probably tries to stand up for them on their behalf in the future, like if someone yells at them she'll scold the person yelling for being mean

Deacon

Ah shit

Deacon prides himself on being able to stay calm during conflict and read the other persons facial expressions, it's his job after all

But anger always managed to get to him somehow, and it made him ignore the small signs that Sole was getting stressed out

He wasn't even upset at them, he was just having a bad day, but he knew he fucked up the second their face scrunched up and they looked away

They're crying. Sole is crying because of him

Might try to fix things by making jokes but if he realizes Sole is genuinely upset he'll probably end up leaving and giving Sole their space

He leaves them to cry for a while and comes back once they've calmed down so he can sincerely apologize

Tries to make Sole feel better for the next few days by pulling some strings

Their favorite animal is brahmin? What a coincidence, Des is telling us to go to a safe house with a huge brahmin farm! They really like Blamco Mac and Cheese? Deacon just found a HUGE stash behind HQ, we better eat it!

Desdemona

Just kinda. Freezes.

This never happened before?? And either she doesn't really know Sole that well (agents faces tend to get confusing since so many come and go) and doesn't know what to say, or they're like, the best agent in the Railroad and she's very worried that she managed to make them cry.

Tries to brush it off as smoothly as possible and excuses them somewhere private to calm down so at least they're not crying in front of everyone

If she's closer with Sole she'll actively search them out herself and apologize directly

If not she'll honestly probably go to Deacon or someone first being like "Are they pissed at me?? Should I apologize or do I pretend it didn't happen?"

Might take the silent approach of giving Sole less work/more support and makes the mental reminder not to yell at them

Danse

Listen, this man is used to reprimanding people. He can practically do it in his sleep

But when he hears Sole burst into tears? He immediately loses all train of thought

He's probably the type of person to go "... Are you crying?" because this has never really happened to him before

Super worried that he's pushed Sole too far, regrets even yelling at them in the first place

Doesn't really know what to do, ends up waiting for Sole to make the first move (explain themself, run away, etc)

If he isn't as close with Sole he'll probably hesitantly give them space - it's what he would want if he burst into tears

If they're close/romanced he'll default to trying to talk to them and calm them down

He is a bit awkward and tends to fumble a lot, so Sole may have to be direct with what they need from him (Space, comfort, apology, etc) but Danse will do basically anything to get them to calm down

Like a person who is very bad at dealing with a crying toddler: "no no don't cry... Here's some candy... and twenty bucks... we can get ice cream if you want just please stop crying"

Hancock

I imagine Hancock to be a pretty touchy guy, so if Sole started crying his go-to comfort is by hugging them or rubbing their arm/back

He has high energy and expresses himself loudly so he realizes that he can be overwhelming at times

He'll quiet down and focus on comforting them and getting them what they need

Absolute KING at respecting their space and autonomy

The only thing worse than crying is crying in public so he's bringing them to a quiet room and letting them cry it out distraction free. They make the tiniest action that seems like they don't want to be touched and he'll back off, no questions asked

Also a bit of the "poorly dealing with a crying toddler" person: "You want chems?? No? Candy?? Would it make you feel better if you punched me??"

Haylen

Very empathetic towards Sole, immediately switches to a "Oh, hey, come on, it's okay..." type of voice

She gets that the Brotherhood is overbearing and it can take a while to get used to being reprimanded/spoken to in such a harsh way

If she's spent a good amount of time around Sole she's probably pretty in tune with their emotional needs and can work with that

Sole won't even have to ask, she'll just show up with some hot chocolate and a blanket, or apologize, or pretend like it never happened, or any mixture of those

A little worried and overprotective of them for a while after, though, especially if she's already worried about their mental health

Might talk to them to try and see what's wrong or convince them to take a break

Maccready

Another member of the "Wait... are you crying?" group.

Panics, probably. Doesn't know what to do or what to say.

He'll end up apologizing to them either way

If he's close with Sole he's more likely to do so first and more quickly, if not he might wait to gauge Sole's reaction before talking to them

A little bit awkward but he's got the spirit, will probably try to understand what made them cry and what he can do to make sure it doesn't happen in the future

Will also do a sort of follow-up check in after the fact or if they're having a rough day some other time

Tries a lot to stay more in-tune with Sole's emotions and what makes them upset after this point so they don't end up crying again because of him

Nick Valentine

For Nick to raise his voice like that he'd probably have to be distracted in some way

Either thinking about his words and not his voice as he reprimands Sole or snapping about something unrelated that's on his mind

So he doesn't even realize Sole started crying until their tears manage to snap him out of his thoughts

He's the type to try and comfort them straight away by cautiously reaching in for a hug and apologizing

If Sole runs off or yells at him he takes it personally, getting upset at himself for making Sole so uncomfortable

He will eventually reach out to them and get them to talk about what's bothering them, even if it takes a while

He'll immediately step up and sincerely apologize, and then turn his focus onto Sole's mental health

He realizes Sole has A Lot going on and them crying was probably the result of many days/weeks/months of bottled up emotions

Piper

Sole crying stops her in her tracks and makes her re-think everything that's happened between them in the past 24 hours

Was it something she said?? Or something she did?? What did she do wrong!?

Depending on the situation will either try to explain herself ("I didn't mean it like that, no don't cry I was just joking I swear -") or immediately be worried for Sole and try to comfort them

Might take Sole needing alone time a bit personally, she'll end up worrying that they're REALLY mad at her

She feels like she's not the best at comforting people so she'll try to turn to acts of service/gifts to bring them comfort

Buying them their favorite food, carrying more of their items, giving them hugs, etc.

Preston

Almost confused at first

He's never had anyone shy away from him before - if anything people didn't take him seriously and tended to look down on him

So the fact that he managed to make Sole cry really made him reassess their entire conversation up to this point

Immediately apologizes and asks what's wrong because surely there has to be something else going on for them to cry like this, right?

If Sole doesn't give an explanation he'll default to assuming they're overtired and stressed from work

Probably ends up feeling guilty for every time he gave them more Minuteman-related work to do

Might end up in a bit of a self-deprecating spiral of "I pushed them too hard, now they're upset, it's all my fault, how the hell can I fix this..."

He'll really focus on being there for them, whatever they need.

Less work? He'll take on their load. Shoulder to cry on? He'll stay up all night for them. A warm hug? He won't let go until Sole lets go first.

Rhys

Laughs

Alright he's an asshole

Kind of goes on a power trip about it too

Like "Haha yes I made them cry. Because I am the strong alpha male of the group"

At some point might come to the conclusion, either through his own means or by Danse/Haylen calling him out, that he was being a little bit of an asshole

If he apologizes though it's extremely short and awkward.

Like "Hey. Uhh. Sorry for making you cry. Just don't do it again. It's weird." And never brings it up ever again

Alternatively, takes the "Older Brother When The Younger Brither Starts Crying" approach of "Don't tell Danse! I didn't even yell at you that much! You can punch me back so we're even just please stop crying dude Danse will hear you and he'll get mad at me"

X6-88

It stops him in his tracks

Part of him is freaking out because Oh God Someone Is Experiencing Emotions Around Me

And the other part of him is freaking out because He Made Sole Cry Uh-Oh

Will probably give Sole some space immediately and waits for them to calm down - he's never been good at dealing with emotional people

Once they're calm he'll revisit them with a peace offering of sorts, like a fancy lad snack cake or some tea or something

Very curt apology, hands them the gift, leaves a moment of silence as an opportunity for them to speak up about what made them cry if they want

Once that's over he'll just try and pretend it never happened while also keeping them safe from whatever else could trigger that

He'll try not to yell at them and actively avoid putting them in situations where they'll be yelled at again whenever possible

#SORRY THIS IS SO OLD #i got the ask at about the same time @slocumjoe did. which was. a while ago.#but i like this ask and creativity struck one fateful evening so I actually managed to write it #fallout 4 #companions react #cait #curie #codsworth #paladin danse #deacon #desdemona #john hancock #scribe haylen #robert joseph maccready #nick valentine #piper wright #preston garvey #knight rhys #x6-88

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everydayyoulovemeless · 11 months

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Fo4 Companions (+Sturges, DiMA, and Travis) Living At Homeplate With Sole

➼ Word Count » 1.3k ➼ Warnings » Spoilers in DiMA’s section and slight spoilers (?) in Mac's

MacCready makes the roof trailer thing on the top of the house look all nice, decorating it with posters and lights and such. He likes to sit up there and just watch people go about in the market. It calms him down a lot. He wants to bring Duncan to come live with you and Shaun. He's pretty easy to live with, aside from him getting into a few altercations with the people from the upper stands.

Nick likes living with you because it allows Ellie to have her own place. The biggest problem is having Myrna as your neighbor. She's gonna constantly complain to security about Nick living right next to her. But besides that, Nick is great to live with. He'll get himself a chair and put it in one of the corners, like one of those designated 'dad' chairs. Lots of stories from his cases too that he'll be glad to tell you and he likes to keep the place neat.

Cait is honestly just happy to have someone who actually wants to live with her. It means so much to her so she'll try to be the best roommate she can. You need groceries? She's got it. Had a long day and want to get a drink? She'd gladly be your drinking buddy. Someone's giving you trouble? Let her get her bat. It's a huge sentiment in itself that you trust her as much as she trusts you and she'd never take it for granted.

Danse feels awkward. You'll have to force him out of his comfort zone a bit, and he's horrible at decorating but other than that he's great to have around. Having such a large guy is great for home security and he's willing to go with you wherever you want so you'll hardly find yourself alone. Danse doesn't think that the other citizens like him too much, and he's right, but you still try to help him to be more approachable.

Preston is always out doing something. It's rare for the two of you to be at Homeplate at the same time due to how busy the two of you can get. When he is home he tends to the different plants he managed to start growing on the roof and inside. It makes the place look very lively and a lot less wasteland-like.

Cleanest house in all the commonwealth?? Codsworth will make it his life's mission to have the best holiday decorations on the block, even if no one else understands what it is. It'll almost feel like a pre-war house with how sanitized he makes it. Whenever you leave to do a quest he'll cook something up for when you come back. He's kinda like a housewife in that sense. Since he doesn't sleep he'll hang out with Percy during the night and then come back and help you out in the morning.

If Piper’s coming, Nat's coming. It'll allow her to turn her old home into more of a workplace than it is now. You'll get the newspaper for free too. Piper probably won't do too much around the house besides keeping it somewhat organized, however, she likes taking you and Nat up to the roof to look at the stars, or watch the sunrise or anything like that. It makes her feel at peace and she just thinks it's a great time overall.

Curie doesn't really need sleep, so at night, if she's bored, she'll just start to organize and clean everything. She was so excited when you told her she could live with you. She takes notes on everything she sees in the marketplace and about the people she meets. Over time she'll end up being great friends with those scientist ladies and even Dr. Sun.

You're gonna also have a big problem with Myrna since Strong is constantly threatening Percy. Security isn't gonna like your new roommate either so be ready for a whole lot of complaints from everybody. On the plus side, Strong makes it so no one wants to go anywhere near your house, so no one trying to break in :)

If Hancock stayed, it'd most likely be temporary, he much prefers Goodneighbor. Although he loves harassing the rich people up in the stands and especially McDonough. Hancock would be all over Diamond City if he started staying at Homeplate. You'd find him in the bars, making friends with the poor people near the wall, or arguing with the guards. At the end of the day he's going back to his town, he really can't stand Diamond City for much longer than a few days.

Deacon feels really weird about it. He's never stayed anywhere for more than a couple of weeks at most. Even the Railroad HQ switches every now and then. Most people are going to love him due to how charismatic he is. In fact, most people will think you just invite a different friend over every week due to all of his disguises and persona's he'll still play. He’s going to have a ridiculous amount of clothes because of that and he'd gladly let you borrow them if you ever needed. This is a huge step for him and he really wants it to work out, although, try not to worry if you notice he’s disappeared.

X6-88 hates it. He doesn't understand why you don't just live in the Institute. He thinks that Diamond City is dirty and contaminated and is constantly looming over you, threatening anyone who gets too close. The only good thing about living at Homeplate would be that it's easier to gather information and spy for the Institute.

As long as Dogmeat gets a bed and a bowl then he's happy. He likes to wander around the city a lot. You'll catch him just sniffing around the alleys, usually looking for Nick or delivering papers for Piper. He loves living in Diamond City and loves that he gets to be around so many friendly people!

Old Longfellow refused when you offered. He much prefers his cabin in Far Harbor and wouldn't ever live somewhere as busy as Diamond City.

Gage will go wherever you do. You're the boss, and if this is where you're gonna stay then he'll be right behind you. The two of you are most likely going to be thrown in prison tho since Gage has a habit of shooting anyone who bad-mouths you. Homeplate's going to be a pig sty as well, bro can’t clean to save his life.

In all honesty, Sturges would be a great roommate, he'd set up the power for the both of you and try to make Homeplate feel a little homier. He'd be making bank too, the citizens would be paying him to help set something up or to fix something that broke. He’d be the new handyman while you went out and did quests.

DiMA thought it'd be good to go down to the Commonwealth again to do more research. He'd definitely struggle to fit in and would most likely try to find a way to assassinate Mayor McDonough to create peace like how he did with the Children of Atom and Far Harbor. He's happy to be able to live close to his brother but it's probably best to leave him in Acadia.

Travis is pretty happy to finally get out of his small one-room trailer and into Home Plate. He likes being able to walk over to the radio shack, it makes the gig start to feel like a real job. The best thing about living with Travis is that he's VERY organized. Nothing will ever be out of place. Living in his old place has taught him how to keep things clean and put away, so you'll find that Home Plate is seemingly never out of order. The only real downside, in his opinion, is the number of new neighbors he suddenly has, sometimes he doesn't want to leave the house in fear that they'll try and talk to him.

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stoat-party · 6 months

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Fallout 4 Companions and Whether They Like Hugs*

*specifically with the Sole Survivor, max affinity, not romanced. Mostly educated guessing but includes canon whenever possible.

Cait:

Hugs = vulnerability, and vulnerability has historically been something Cait tries to avoid. But you’re someone she deeply, truly trusts. She’ll both give and receive hugs from you — if anyone else tries it, though, there’s a chance they’ll get their nose bloodied.

Codsworth:

Canonically does not understand hugs. Would stoically accept a hug if given one. Probably incapable of delivering them, but he would make an effort if asked.

Curie:

Very excited to use her new body for acts of interpersonal physical contact! Oxytocin does wonders for the mind and body, you know. Will politely ask permission before hugging you, but you’re always welcome to hug her.

Danse:

Formality and awkwardness keep Danse from doing much hugging — like, maybe a celebratory post-battle brohug if you’re lucky. He’s canonically willing to hold a friend who’s upset, though, so you could try breaking down in his arms if you really needed a hug from that giant strong man. But the armor’s going to get in the way, so you have to be strategic about this.

Deacon:

Only if it’s for the meme. He’s “not the hugging type.”

Dogmeat:

Dogs don’t really interpret hugs the way we do, but Dogmeat is an abnormally smart dog. He’ll accept a hug because he loves being close to you, especially when you’re upset. Would prefer scritches, though.

Hancock:

When you’re a beloved public figure in Goodneighbor, you tend not to develop too broad a personal bubble. There’s less risk that he’ll disapprove and more that you’ll startle him and get stabbed. But he’ll return the hug when you’re conscious again. Mind the hat.

MacCready:

I think MacCready is very affectionate with the people he feels closest to. Especially if he’s drunk.

Nick:

Unfortunately, Nick doesn’t really get as much from hugs as the fleshfolk do. A good, warm cuddle is something he remembers but can’t fully experience. But he’s unreserved with giving them if he thinks you could use one. Knowing he’s comforted a friend counteracts the roboangst.

Piper:

Sure! She’d love a hug. Piper is a mostly sane human being, so I don’t actually have much to say about this. She’s normal about hugs.

Preston:

Nope! In his words, “not really a hugger.” If you desperately wanted to hug that man, you could probably pull rank and he’d roll his eyes and acquiesce. I know, I’m heartbroken too.

Strong:

Canonically doesn’t know what hugs are, probably not a good idea to teach him. His idea of affection involves friendly violence, which you’ll also want to avoid.

X6-88:

Haha. No. At max affinity, he trusts you enough to set that boundary, and no, it’s not a negotiable one. You’ll have to love the scary terminator man from a respectful distance.

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fusionnukacola · 1 year

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Companions crushing on Sole before either lets on to their feelings.

Thanks for requesting! I've always loved asks like these.

Cait: The second she saw that, honestly, hot piece of ass stumbled into the Combat Zone and singlehandedly take out all of the raiders, she was smitten. Cait had only been traveling with Sole for a few weeks, but she already found herself looking at them when they weren't watching. Plans to do something about it, but has no idea what to do.

Curie: Had no idea what the feeling was. She'd experienced it once before, decades ago when one of the scientists had been extremely kind to her, but that didn't compare to what she felt now. Will do mostly nothing about it, except for a few spare comments about the weird feeling in her stomach she gets sometimes around Sole.

Danse: Gets scared straight off the bat. He lists all the things wrong with this attraction towards Sole, such as, "I'm their commanding officer." And "This is just straight-up inappropriate." Becomes, somehow, even more, awkward around Sole. Eventually goes to Haylen for advice, and she laughs at him before giving him advice. If Sole has completed Blind Betrayal, he wonders about how they could ever like someone like him, a machine.

Deacon: Worse jokes. Worse humor. He doesn't know how to deal with it, so he denies it every time he can. Tries making flirty jokes and stutters halfway through it and comes up with a different ending, usually ending in jokes that don't make sense at all. "Hey babe-bbbitch how those uhhh . shit. bye." Desdemona wants to deck him.

Hancock: Convinces himself he just wants to fuck Sole. He's wrong. Makes flirty jokes every chance he gets, and Sole thinks he's joking. He is not. Cries to Fahrenhite about how beautiful Sole is every night. She's getting sick of his crush. Tells him to "man-up" and go talk to them before she "throws him out of the window."

MacCready: Genuinely writes a comic book of them both. Spends all night on it and it's written in crayon. Offers to give them sniping tips, but gets too nervous when he's close to Sole like that, and completely messes it up. Blushes very easily.

Nick Valentine: Tells himself that it'll pass, but wonders what it would've been like if the original Nick met Sole before Jennifer. What would they think now, of the pretend Nick Valentine? Doesn't worry about it too much, but also won't make an advance.

Piper: Nervously laughs around them all the time. Purposefully doesn't look at Sole's face, or anywhere at them. Unbelievably awkward. Sole eventually confronts them, asking Piper if she hates them. Piper says. "Oh-uh. No? No. Don't worry about it blue!!!" And runs off.

Preston: Always. Blushing. Sole asks him if he's sunburnt, and he says no. Constantly asking Sole if they would take him with them to the next settlement because "I want to see the Minutemen's General recruit another settlement!" He's a liar. He wants to watch Sole fight. Sometimes, when it's late, he'll think about how likely it is that Sole wouldn't be interested in him.

X6-88: Stone cold. Doesn't blush. Denies it completely, but he can't help feeling drawn to Sole. They were a really good fighter and leader and definitely bound to lead the Institute to success but... it would just be wrong. Doesn't make a move at all.

#fallout 4 companions #fallout 4 #fallout #cait fallout 4 #cait #curie #paladin danse #deacon fallout 4 #hancock #maccready #nick valentine #piper wright #preston garvey #strong #x6-88 #fallout 4 companions react

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slocumjoe · 1 year

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Can you do a companions react to a sole with poor fine motor skills that is really skilled in battle but can't do stuff like open can tabs or walk in a straight line or has trouble lile tying their shoes?

- Leaf anon 🌱

Cait; Wouldn't think much of it. She was an addict, she's known lots of other addicts, she's known raiders. People who's heads get messed with, either with substance or by getting hit too much. Fighting and shit like grabbing a door handle are different. Her worry is that they'd need their motor skills in a fight, or in a retreat...Cait would gripe about helping them with anything if they ask, but she can respect someone who's useful when it matters.

Codsworth; Would offer a hand whenever they looked like they needed it, but otherwise wouldn't comment or acknowledge it. It would feel very improper. They've got things handled most of the time, and if they aren't in pain, he doesn't need to worry. Would consult wasteland doctors if he felt they were legit, get their opinion, but Codsworth isn't the type to micromanage.

Curie; Worried mama hen. Curie would hover and possibly overstep. She means well, but if you don't want help with something, and don't need it, someone insisting they help is very 🙃🙃🙃. This is the first time I've used emojis in a react, only because I cannot describe the emotion those ones convey. Anyway. Curie would look into motor skills disabilities/in general in hopes of finding a way to remedy their struggles, make things easier. Some people might appreciate it, others would feel really patronized.

Danse; Would send them to Cade every time they returned to the Prydwen, just to check up on things. Obviously can't so that post BB. Danse has probably seen this before as well, but since he'd be traveling with them, he'd see it more and in different ways. Small corridor and they can't walk straight? His power armor is huge and lacks agility. They're bumping into each other. This would be an exercise in spacial awareness for him.

Deacon; one of the more worried ones. They're both spies. They need to be sneaking. You need to be able to move straight, pick locks, quickly type on keyboards. He's pleasantly surprised to see that Sole is still good at what they do, but there's always a little part of him waiting for that Chekov's Gun to go off. Also tends to hover around them, especially in hostile areas.

Gage; Don't let anyone know they have this issue and Gage is fine. Raiders will sniff that kind of thing out and get dollar signs for eyes. Walk straight the best you can, or play it off as a personality eccentricity. Don't say shit, don't go for soda in public. Very confused how they beat the Gaunlet. Very confused how they have such a high kill count. Will only help them out if its time-sensitive.

Hancock; Takes him...so long to notice. Not because he's high, he just fully doesn't realize it. He spends time around alcoholics and chemheads. Like Cait, that's just...normal for him? Hancock will offer help with some things, and still not notice what kind of help he's actually providing. He'll realize out of the blue one day and barge into the room asking if they have problems, just to make sure he's right.

MacCready; As long as he's the sniper, there's no reason to worry. If they start eyeing scopes to add to their guns, he might sweat a little. If they're a pickpocket type, he's just sweating. Pickpocket, sweating bullets. This would turn MacCready off crime, watching them try to sneak whatever from someone's pocket, when just three minutes ago, they had to bite their bag's zipper. Leave the precision stuff to him. Please. Please for the love of god.

Nick; Look at either of his hands. He probably doesn't have such great motor skills there, either, purely because he's just so old and banged up. This is a major source of bonding. Nick is the least likely to have any worry or concern for them; he gets around fine, so can they.

Preston; Second longest to notice. Faster than Hancock, but it still long enough for him to wonder if they were always like that, or if they're injured in some way. His concern comes before combat—they fight just fine, its the getting ready. Flicking their safety off, getting the gun out, reloading. Preston tends to go in front, so they have some time to prepare before they get into the action.

Piper; Like Preston, worries about transitional periods. Downtime, they're fine, firefight, they're fine. But those little moments in between, oooh, does Piper worry. Piper will keep count of how many bullets they use and let them know to reload, switch to something else, etc. Basically tracks all the info around, gets it to them so they have a few extra seconds to think and fiddle with whatever they have to.

X6-88; They are forbidden from heights. They are to remain at least ten feet away from more than a three-foot drop. Area too small? Understood, we're not going there, we're leaving. No, I don't care who asked for what. X6-88 hates heights as is. Someone pirouetteing their way off an edge is not happening. He truly does not care about anything else. Can't open things? Whatever. Bad with precision? Whatever. You can't walk straight, you are not going near ladders, bridges, scaffolding, cliffs, maybe even stairs if he thinks they're too tall.

#fo4 #fallout 4 #paladin danse #preston garvey #piper wright #nick valentine #companions react #robert joseph maccready #x6-88 #porter gage #codsworth

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bullet-clubs-bitch · 1 year

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Pregnancy headcanons ✉️

Texas Death Match ✉️💎

The Dark Side Of The Moon 💎❤️‍🔥

Billy Gunn

Old Flame ✉️❤️‍🔥

Old Flame II ✉️

Old Flame III ✉️

NSFW Alphabet ✉️❤️‍🔥

Pregnancy Headcanons ✉️

Splish Splash ❤️‍🔥✉️

Blackpool Combat Club

Fine Print ✉️

Single Mother

Cash Wheeler Masterlist

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Christian Cage Masterlist

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Chuck Taylor

Enough 💎

Pregnancy headcanons ✉️

Sub Headcannons ✉️❤️‍🔥

Birthday Blues

CM PUNK Masterlist

Click on the link above to view all CM Punk Fics!

David Finlay

Pregnancy Headcannons

Dream Girl ✉️

Hate Fuck ❤️‍🔥

El Phantasmo Masterlist

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Elite Masterlist

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Kenny Omega Masterlist

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Nick Jackson

The Final Show ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

Falling In Love

Pregnancy Headcannons

Nic Nemeth

Bundle Of Joy

Pregnancy Headcannons

Matt Jackson

Tumblr Girls 💎

Out of my league ✉️💎

NSFW Alphabet ✉️❤️‍🔥

The Final Show ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

Pregnancy Headcannons

Malakai Black

I do not write about HOB but I accidentally wrote this filthy SMUT with Malakai! Enjoy it because it's the only one lol

Saviour ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

MJF Masterlist

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Jay White Masterlist

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Jon Moxley

Coming Soon

PAC

Nsfw Alphabet ❤️‍🔥

Preston Vance

Nsfw Alphabet ❤️‍🔥

Samoa Joe

NSFW Alphabet ❤️‍🔥

Pregnancy Headcannons

Swerve Strickland

NSFW ALPHABET ✉️❤️‍🔥

Leather And Lace ✉️❤️‍🔥💎

Pregnancy Headcannons

Swerve When I Ride ✉️❤️‍🔥

Wardlow Masterlist

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Zack Sabre Jr

Black Widow ✉️

Tokyo Disney ✉️

Forbidden Love ✉️

Pregnancy Headcannos

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bulgeun-wihyeob · 9 months

Text

what i think sturges thinks of the companions

my opinion is VERY valuable as the ceo of sturges subfandom /j

cait: he's lowkey scared of her , she flirts with him and he doesn't have it in him to tell her he's gay

codsworth: he likes codsworth ! performs maintenance on him when he gets all busted up

curie: he's so fascinated by her , they're the "out of place accent" buddies and they like talking about science and engineering together

danse: sturges actually kinda likes danse and has always been friendly to him , he was the person danse confided in after blind betrayal

deacon: he likes deacon , they're pals . they like to talk about eeeeverything together

dogmeat: sturges loves this little pooch and would protect him with his life. bends over backwards on the regular to give the dog treats

hancock: they're friendly and sturges doesn't mind him , the mechanic is happily welcomed every time he visits goodneighbor

maccready: sturges is also lowkey scared of mac solely because the man triggers his contamination obsessions 💀💀💀 he's still friendly towards him regardless

valentine: sturges LOVES nicky !!! worships the man , treats him like family , repairs him as well . nick helped him come to terms with his synthetic nature !

piper: he's skeptical of her and doesn't really appreciate her nosiness . he wouldn't leave his drink with her under any circumstances

preston: garvey is literally sturges' ride or die . they look after each other and revere one another in a sort of brotherly way (i don't ship them sorry)

strong: sturges is soooo fascinated by strong but treats him like he'd treat anyone else . sturges will listen to him talk about the milk of human kindness very intently

x6-88: he's SO scared of this dude . like would skitter behind a house if he saw him on the street

ada: REPAIRS HERRR !!!! sturges and ada are buddies and he thinks very highly of her , kinda like a sister . they have inside jokes

longfellow: sturges is so weirded out by this odd old man and will actively avoid him unless he wants to hear a story 😭

gage: tbh sturges doesn't mind gage that much but kinda wishes the guy would take a bath

#𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝗴 #fallout 4 #fo4 #fallout #fallout 4 sturges #sturges fo4 #sturges #headcanons #fallout companions

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satans-left-asscheeky · 1 year

Text

Fo4 Romanced Companions react to Sole getting them a Christmas gift

Maccready

"Sole I- I don't know what to say..."

Maccready usually spends the months leading up to December saving money and selling less useful things so he can afford to spoil Duncan, and in the past Lucy, so he's used to not getting anything and he's okay with that because the look on his kiddos face is enough. So when sole handed him a present it really did warm his heart because he knows the effort he goes through to get his loved ones gifts and the idea of someone doing that for him is enough to make tears swell in the corners of his eyes. The man's a total sentimental sap so whatever it is sole got him he'll cherish and keep for the rest of his days

Hancock

"Well what have we got here... I still don't know what I did to deserve you sunshine"

He'd be happy just to spend Christmas with them.. He'd spent the upcoming months so focused on trying to pick out the perfect gift for them he hadn't even really considered the fact that they'd probably end up getting one for him. Safe to say the gesture didn't go unnoticed

Cait

"Look I ain't good at this mushy shit, but I hope you know it means a lot to me"

She'd never had a single Christmas growing up so the present would mean more to her than sole would ever know. Sole never failed to amze her with how genuinely kind they were

Danse

"I appreciate the gift soldier. No ones gone out of their way to get me something in a vary long time... thank you"

His first memories (whether their his or not the first memories he has) were of him collecting junk to sell just to get by. The only person who ever cared enough about him to buy him a gift in his whole life was Cutler so when sole did it he was elated. He hadn't even realized how much the little gesture had meant until later when he ended up crying while looking at the gift.

Curie

"Oh this is just perfect!!! How did you know just what to get me?"

Curie had had her eye on the medical supplies for months with these new tools she could really make a difference at the local settlements! It's not just a gift for her, to a gift to everyone and that's what made it so special

Deacon

"No way! You my friend are one of a kind. Gotta be honest didnt see exchanging christmas gifts on the agenda way back when I vouched for you, but hey I'm all for it.... also I kinda didn't get you anything... Oops?"

He was used to pretending Christmas was just another day since Barbara, so he hadn't even thought of the possibility of sole getting him a gift, and obviously hadn't gotten them one which made him feel a bit bad. He would end up going and grabing them something he thought they might like later though. Hey better late the never?

Piper

"Oh my goodness Blue, you didn't!"

Her dad used to always celebrate Christmas with her and nat, but since he'd passed it had become just another day of working to survive.... that is until sole came around and got presents not just for her, but for her little sister as well. Piece by piece they filled gaps Piper didn't even know were missing and to say she was grateful was an understatement

Nick

"Wow... this brings me back. Haven't had a proper Christmas since before the bombs..."

The small pocket watch would bring him back to simpler times, and if he could nick would've probably shed a few tears when he opened the present. He'd keep it in his coat pocket as a reminder of sole.

Preston

"General you really are something else you know that? They sure don't make em like they used to"

This man neglects himself in favor of focusing on others so when sole got him a gift it truly did mean the world to him.

X6-88

"I appreciate the gesture ma'am/sir"

Truth be told he doesn't get the tradition, but it does make him feel uncharacteristicly happy that sole had thought of him

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imagine-silk · 4 months

Note

I wanna wish my fallout 4 boys for a merry christmas... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I LOVE YOU!!! (happy christler to u too iff u celebrate)

》And I love you random citizen. I did have a good Christmas, thank you... but I got sick immediately after. Happy holidays!

[Codsworth] "Sir/Mum, I've hope you like the decor. It's not perfect but as long as we're with loved ones we'll love. Isn't that right?"

Under his cheery attitude he is grieving the loss of the world. It's his first Christmas with you back and he wants the rest of the family. Nate/Nora and young Shaun, along with brothers and sisters, and uncles and cousins. But he forces himself to stay positive. Not focus on 'what was' and focus on 'what is'.

[Danse] "Say the word and I'll be there. Whatever you need."

He's more concerned with helping. Having a huge party was something he's never done. Back in the Brotherhood all holiday affairs were kept under wraps. So in all the new excitement he doesn't really care about the day itself, more like being involved.

[Deacon] "Tell me, [Name], have you been a good boy/girl?"

You will not see him outside any sort of costume the entire night. And he has several lined up. Santa, Rudolph, an elf, scrooge pj's. He's also seen with a drink always in his hand. Whether or not it's the same drink, no one knows.

[Hancock] "I'm probably already on the naughty list so let's just have fun."

The entire town of Good Neighbor is partying like the Santa's actually gonna join them. There's a stupid amount of milk and cookies considering the fact none of them are chemed or spiked. They also have a giant white elephant with all the presents.

[MacCready] "What the hell is Christmas?"

In Little Lamp Light they didn't have the tradition and after leaving he never let himself indulge in it so he never learn what exactly it was. To him it's just a gift exchange. Explaining it to him isn't easy either. A big old man, who wears red, flies all over the world in one night in a sleigh with reindeer delivering presents to all the children. What is a reindeer? How? Why?

[Nick] "Merry Christmas, pal/doll. You deserve a break."

No matter what relationship you have with him, he's going to catch you under the mistletoe to tease you. Especially if he's a sort of mentor to you. He thinks it's cute. Besides that, he makes sure you're relaxing and not worried about anything so you can have a break.

[Preston] "I'm glad we did this. It's nice to see everyone warm."

For him, Christmas is the most stressful holiday, given that it's the coldest and people tend to fight over gifts. But it's still a holiday so it's nice. He's also almost immediately buried in gifts by settlers.

[X6] "Happy holidays."

He doesn't care in any meaningful capacity other than you celebrating, he has enough decency to keep it to himself though. You know he wasn't going to give you a gift so he doesn't. If you get him anything he'll take it and tell you why he likes it as an effort to be nice.

#ask and you shall receive #fallout 4 #gender neutral reader #fallout imagines #fallout x reader #codsworth #danse #deacon fo4 #hancock #maccready #nick valentine #preston garvey #x6 88

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enjolrasling · 1 month

Text

I saw the Les Miserables US tour on Tuesday and am still IN MY FEELINGS about it, so here’s a random assortment of somewhat coherent thoughts/rambles/write up/review.

(Note: I saw the entire principle cast except Randy Jeter (who was out) and two ensemble swings. Andrew Marks Maughan was pulling double duty as both the Bishop and Combferre.)

• I didn’t know anything about Nick Cartell going in, but holy fuck, that VOICE. Tone is immaculate. Lungs of fucking steel.

• “Another story must beGINNNNNN” are you kidding me Nick. Who gave you the right to be this talented. Why is this man not more famous?!

• Preston Truman Boyd as Javert - voice is great, nice deep baritone. I wanted a smidge more from him acting wise though (this improved over the course of his performance).

• Nick and Preston sound phenomenal together, their voices work SO WELL.

• Haley Dortch has the voice of an angel and I loved her portrayal of Fantine.

• I appreciated that when Fantine was attacked/arrested all of the lovely ladies kept trying to stop it/help her. A nice staging touch.

• The whole transition into the courtroom was fantastic. Nick with that ending note of “Who Am I?” 🤯 I feel like I heard a few nods to Colm’s Valjean throughout Nick’s performance, this being one, which I appreciated on a cellular level.

• Confrontation sounded sooo good. It is a little goofy looking because Nick is so much shorter/smaller than Preston, which made the whole Valjean-as-stronger-man thing a bit silly. The blocking here didn’t do much for me. But what can you do. However! The “you’ll wear a different CHAInnn!” *cue Present with the chain hitting the stage floor* was fierce.

• It took a minute but Matt Crowle really won me over as Thénardier. Acting choices were 💯 without going over the top.

• There was a lot going on during “Master of the House” and it was a lot of fun, but also hard to catch everything.

• Gavroche was delightful. As usual.

• I’m not sure why Enjolras’ blonde wig was so bad, but it was really distracting. Devin Archer does a very decent Enjolras, but man that wig was not doing him any favors.

• Marius’ entrance was forgettable. I think this was more a staging issue than a reflection on Jake David Smith maybe? All the students kind of looked the same at this time. I had a hard time telling Les Amis apart all night, honestly. Except for Enjolras and Grantaire, obviously, which brings me to….

• Kyle Adams. You freaking fan-servicing national treasure. Cards on the table, seeing reviews of Kyle’s Grantaire was the single biggest reason I decided to catch this tour, and I was really, REALLY hoping to see him in the role. I did not think anyone would ever come close to eclipsing Hadley as my R of all time, but Kyle is right up there in his orbit. Omg that scene stealing little shit. He really put his all into “the drunk one”. Blowing the kiss to E at the end of Red and Black. Continually slapping people with his coat jacket. The dick-bottle in Enjolras’ face. Constantly goofing around with Gavroche. It was all gold. I really appreciate an actor who’s done their homework, and Kyle is very obviously well versed in both the source material and the rabid E/R fan fiction. His performance is a love letter to the fans - to those of us who have cried over the brick, who have watched every musical version we’ve been able to get our hands on over and over again - and I love that for all of us.

• Anyway, back to “Red and Black”. Devin is great, really brings the sassy Enjolras energy. Marius is….kind of forgettable again. Sorry, Jake. Enjolras when he grabs that flag…Devin is really serving.

• “Do You Hear the People Sing” was wonderfully rousing, as always. One of my favorites forever. The transition to the streets was very pleasing. Again, Devin with that damn flag. I might end up shipping Enj with the flag as much as E and R, he’s that passionate with it 🤣

• Delaney Guyer was a perfectly pleasant Cosette. No criticisms, I just haven’t really ever cared about Cosette much as a character. Her songs do very little for me. But Delaney was lovely.

• Mya Rena Hunter as Eponine was somewhat “meh” for me. Her vocals are killer and “On My Own” got one of the biggest ovations of the night, but I didn’t love her acting choices. Or maybe lack there of, it didn’t seem like there were any. I dunno.

• The staging/choreo for “One Day More” was really entertaining. Much better than the underwhelming marching I saw in the 2012 production. Devin serving sassy, dramatic Enjolras with flair and a rifle is a whole ass mood.

• I fucking love the barricade set. Seeing Les Amis climb all over that thing is such a moment. Enjolras literally leaping off the set multiple times. Dude gets AIR.

• Gavroche flipping off Javert was an audience favorite.

• “A Little Falls of Rain” was underwhelming. The staging was a bit awkward and there was no scene chemistry between Jake and Mya. I really wanted to feel something. I didn’t. Just eh.

• “Drink With Me”, on the other hand, was so wonderfully emotional. Kyle’s stying of R’s verse is an angrier, grittier interpretation and I’m sooo here for it. Enjolras goes to console him and R pushes him away. The pain feels so real.

• “Bring Him Home”….Nick. Fucking. Cartell. I have no words. He cast an absolute SPELL over the theater. His breath control is super human. His last “home” note went on FOREVER. Absolutely phenomenal. Hands down best version I’ve ever heard live. Biggest ovation of the night.

• Gavroche’s death 😭 So sad, so well done. It was very striking how he was shot just as Enjolras’ hand reached up for him as he returned. The timing, the lights, sound everything was excellent. Then he crumpled onto E’s shoulder. E handed his lifeless body to R, who was just devastated. I love the relationship they created between Gavroche and R this production. The entire build up of their interactions made this moment so poignant and believable.

• Christopher Robin Sapp really took his 5 seconds of National Guard Officer/Loud Hailer time and absolutely slayed it. I want to see more of this guy in the future.

• The choreo of the final battle was very satisfying. I totally missed Marius getting injured and just mistook him for another student because again….Marius was just not catching any of my attention this tour, lol. The frantic moment between E and R in this scene was so raw and well done by both actors. R reaching for E’s face, clasping hands so very briefly. Ugh.

• Then E with the flag again. This scene is so striking and Devin gives it EVERYTHING. Then R climbing up after E once he gets shot and falls off of the barricade. The way it takes a few moments for R to die after being shot and Kyle freaking Adams makes sure the audience knows it…

• I was lucky enough to see a production with the revolving stage back in the day and I’m really glad I did, because the reveal of Enjolras’ body hanging upside down off the other side of the barricade with the flag is one of those theater moments that will haunt me forever. Enjolras’ lifeless body in the cart just doesn’t have quite that same punch, but it’s timed very nicely with the music swell, and the way his body shifts/almost falls out of the cart when it’s carried away again is quite effective.

• Ok so the sewers. That was cool. I felt like this production used just enough of the screen to really assist the set design without relying on it too much. It worked really well for the orchestration and gave depth to Valjean just dragging Marius across the stage 3 times.

• Thénardier dragging in that corpse by his ankles for “Dog Eats Dog” lol. Matt really showed up for this scene. I think he did a good job of dipping into the “comedic” aspects of Thénardier as well as balancing the really rotten parts - this was a really great rotten part. I thoroughly enjoyed his turn as the infamous innkeeper.

• Javert is such a little drama queen.

• “Stars” was A++++. One of my forever favorites anyway, but Preston took this song to church. Also, I do NOT remember this staging, if it’s what I saw in 2012 (I don’t think so?!) and holy shit. I was not expecting what they did, which got quite a few gasps from the audience. The falling/floating/reaching while holding that last “ONNNNNNN” was a fucking MOMENT. Props to this production set up. Major props to Preston. Just wow.

• The transition from “Turning” to “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” was beautiful, and I love love love the candle choreography. When Les Amis blow their candles out….ugh 😭 This number was a bit of redemption for Jake David Smith, who until now had kept slipping into the background. I found his Marius to be a bit uninspired and unrecognizable for the most part. He did not bring much of a presence to the role until this moment. But his vocals were great here, and the anguish felt genuine.

• I don’t have much too say about “Beggars at the Feast” because I was too busy watching no one but Kyle Adams as Major Domo for the entire scene 🤷🏻‍♀️

• But omg the change of Thénardier’s lyrics from “this one’s a queer / but what can you do?” to “this one’s a queer / I might try it too” and then he dips that random wedding guest dude was a giant yes from me.

• Finale left a touch to be desired blocking/staging wise. I remember feeling that way with the 2012 production as well. Les Mis is just such a powerful musical, I feel like it deserves a bigger ending than basically everyone just standing in two lines behind Cosette and Marius. The cast’s vocals made up for the lack of production though. Truly so, so good.

• In conclusion: Nick Cartell has an otherworldly voice and Kyle Adams is the Grantaire we all deserve. I am so, SO glad I got to experience this cast.

#les miserables #les mis #les mis tour #review #rambles #text post #kyle adams #nick cartell #devin archer

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everydayyoulovemeless · 6 months

Note

I love your stuff! I was wondering, could we just get some grab bag headcanons for the companions (SFW or NSFW is fine)

Random Headcanons For The Fo4 Companions

➼ Word Count » 0.5k ➼ Warnings » None ➼ Genre » Platonic/Romantic, Fluff ➼ A/N » I'm guessing this was meant for the fo4 companions, but if not I'd be happy to do the others!

MacCready can't sleep unless he's curled into a ball. He always wakes up with his spine hurting and his back all hunched over, and he never suspects the reason could be his sleeping habits.

Nick realizes that he's not the most approachable-looking man out there, so he always makes a point to buy the kids in Diamond City a bowl of noodles so that they aren't as afraid of him as they might already be.

Cait knows how to do tattoos and is actually really good and diligent whenever it comes to doing one.

Danse has no internal compass and gets lost incredibly easily, but you'd never know it with how confident he seems when leading.

Preston grew up as an orphan and sees Mama Murphy as his only mother figure. It's also why he has such a soft spot for struggling wastelanders, especially when they're kids.

Codsworth likes to collect old-world trinkets in memory of the life he once lived. He also thinks that putting them up gives your home its old charm back. (especially pre-war money, he likes to joke that y'all are rich even thought the currency died).

Piper loves it when people are shorter than her. She's one of those people who is constantly making jokes about her shorter friends. She'll rest her arm on their head/shoulder or simply throw her hat on their head. She thinks short people are adorable and teases them as much as possible.

Curie has horrible eyesight in her synth body and needs to squint really hard to see things that are farther away.

Strong can sit and stare at those milk vending machines forever. He's like a child in front of an iPad whenever he spots one. He's always trying to figure out what this box has to do with human strength.

Hancock really likes to read, which never fails to surprise a lot of people when he mentions it. Granted, he's not into novels, but he can't seem to get enough of the historical textbooks and pamphlets he finds around the Commonwealth.

Deacon is just as obsessed with the Unstoppables as Kent is. In fact, most of his disguises or personalities are based on one of the characters in the pre-war comics.

X6-88 is a huge germaphobe and hates it when he has to leave the Institute with you. He'll clean your settlements whenever he finds the time and will fight in such a way that he can avoid getting blood on him.

Dogmeat adores baseball and gets super excited whenever he sees something related to the sport (especially when someone throws a baseball for him).

Old Longfellow loves the classical radio station, and it is all he ever really listens to when he's in his cabin.

Gage is allergic to dogs and visibly tenses up whenever he hears a mongrel start barking.

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danses-with-dogmeat · 2 years

Text

R! FO4 Companions React to a Sole who Can't Handle Softness Due to Bad Past Relationships

(Ask) if you’re still doing requests, could I get romanced companions with a courier/lone/ss who’s only experienced bad relationships and don’t know how to handle softness?

And with this, here is the final installment of this prompt! Took long enough, right? 😅 Anyways, let me know if you'd like to see anyone else at all, and I can always add!

Also, here are the FO3 and the FONV versions of this prompt as well, if you wanna check them out!

Included Below: Cait, Curie, Codsworth, Danse, Deacon, Gage, Hancock, Kent Connolly, MacCready, Nick, Piper, Preston, & X6-88

Also, just some TWs for you all: mentions of problematic/unhealthy relationships, allusions to emotional and physical abuse, as well as indirect references to nonconsensual sexual actions.

Cait:

It took Cait longer than she'd like to admit to realize that anything was wrong. Sole and her, well… She supposed she didn't need to be awfully touchy with them, the way so many were, so many had been with her... but when she noticed the way they tensed when she did make a move to reach out to them, when she saw the unease in their expression and the tremble in their hands when she rose her voice, or began to get angry. Even when it had nothing to do with them, Sole still seemed so nervous around her.

Cait brought it up first, trying to keep her voice low, trying to refrain from sounding hurt or accusatory.

Do they really think I'd hurt them?

She's not ignorant to the way people tend to view her, to the rough front she puts off, but for Sole to flinch away from her touch like that, the way she used to when her parents sold her to those monsters.

How can they believe I would be so cruel? And still want to be with me…

In her own way, she voiced her concerns to her partner, her voice getting higher and louder with each moment they spent not responding to her. Couldn't they see how important this was? How bad it hurt her to know that the one she loves might fear her? Sole wasn't supposed to be afraid.

Everyone else was.

Anyone who meant Sole harm, those are the folks who should be flinching away and cowering. And Cait told her partner as much.

When Sole revealed the truth to her, Cait felt foolish. How could she have not predicted that? She's more familiar with abuse than anyone else she's known… In a strange way, the news invigorated her, sure it made her furious enough to clench her fists to the point of pain, but it also presented an opportunity. A chance to prove everyone wrong presented itself; to show her parents, the ones who hurt her, and to show Sole's spouse that, even despite everything, all odds, they can come back from that horrific shite. Those assholes thought they would corrupt them both for good? Thought they could rip their ability to trust and to love straight out from the root and burn it with the heat of their cruel fury? They were wrong. Sole could come back from this. They both could. They're both strong, resilient, and stubborn as all hell, and if anyone can prove those assholes wrong, it was them. Together, they'd make everyone see that it's possible. Possible to heal, to come back from the brink, to trust again, to love again. Despite all odds.

Curie:

Sole insists that their warning had nothing to do with Curie's behavior from the very start of the conversation. The synth has been nothing but gentle and tentatively affectionate from the beginning, her own uncertainty and inexperience keeping their steady progress towards a more physical relationship slow and controlled. Even after Sole told her the truth of it, told her some of the actions they may involuntarily take in response to her touches and words; the way they might twitch away uncomfortably, how they automatically refuse to accept her praise and compliments without a pained expression dragging at their face, even then, she knew it bothered her. More so, even, now that she knows why.

As soon as the ragged words left her partners lips, Curie felt uncharacteristic anger boil in her belly, hurt pinching painfully at her chest, and sorrow clouding her bright eyes.

Sole was too good for zhis.

She couldn't even try to rationalize. No one deserved to be treated cruelly by their partner, but Sole? Her partner? She only knew them as sweet and caring, kind-hearted, selfless…

'Ow could anyone treat zhem zhat way?

It made her feel sick.

Now that Curie knows though, she's even more careful. She asks before touches and kisses, not most of the time, but every time. She gives compliments not as freely, but she assures her partner that she means every single one. She retains her softness, her gentleness, and she makes an effort to try and get Sole help, if they want it. Curie's a doctor, and she enjoys communicating as openly as possible with her partner, but proper therapy is good for everyone, especially people who've suffered as much as Sole has.

Sometimes it's difficult for her to take the lead in the relationship, due to her overall inexperience with all of these new actions and sensations, but if it's what works for Sole, if they can help guide her, then both of them may benefit from this learning experience and really begin the slow, steady process towards the close, serious relationship they both know they crave.

Synth! Codsworth:

He's speechless when Sole tells him the truth about their old relationship. He feels foolish and guilty and he apologizes profusely, constantly reiterating that he had no idea, or else he would've forced it to stop, reported it to the proper authorities, been a steel shoulder for Sole to lean on, anything. Even after Sole assures him that they tried to keep it a secret from everyone, yes, even him, Codsworth is still distraught.

The synth has always tried to be sensitive to Sole's feelings, even before his change to this new form. He's been observant of their actions, tried to read them in the way his programming insisted he be able to in order to best provide for them, but this… This is different now.

He finds himself becoming even more attentive to them, even to the point of being a bit overbearing until they insist for the 20th time that they're okay, they just wanted him to know the truth, in case he ever felt they were acting strangely towards him.

But that's just it, isn't it? Sole wasn't acting strangely at all. They'd been this way since he knew them. So, how could he have not picked up on this? As a caretaker, he feels as though he's failed his sweet Sole, but as their partner? Codsworth just wants to make up for it, not dwell on the past, and just be there for them now, and make sure he never acts similarly to how their partner once did. And with all his worrying and attention to detail? Sole doesn't see how he could think that was even a possibility.

Danse:

The Brotherhood (ex) Paladin hasn’t had an overabundance of examples or experience in the realm of romantic relationships, but he still thinks it's odd that his partner is so subdued with their affections, and he knows damn well that they shouldn’t be frightened of him. He’s on the larger side, and his voice is deep, loud and gruff, so he’s used to being seen as intimidating, but surely with Sole, this shouldn’t be the case.

Is he doing something wrong? Has he done something to frighten them? Danse knows he would never intentionally hurt his partner, but it seems as though they don’t feel the same way… He blames himself before they tell him the truth. He was/is their CO after all, perhaps he’s been too harsh on them, maybe he wasn’t cut out for relationships, maybe they weren’t attracted to him, maybe since he'd relied on them so much, they just felt as though they were responsible for his feelings… If they don’t like his physical presence being within a certain proximity to them, if they flinch away, if they don’t initiate physical contact with him, maybe that means they’re afraid of him.

Just the thought of that made Danse's chest ache painfully. He may not be particularly experienced in these matters, but he’s certain that one partner of a committed, romantic relationship should absolutely not be afraid of their counterpart.

He’d be the one to bring it up, voicing his concerns to his partner in as honest and direct a way as he can, and when they reveal the truth... he feels even more foolish.

How could he have missed this? Was he really so selfish as to focus on himself, when it was his partner that was suffering in silence? Danse would express his apology to them, and ask quietly how he could possibly help them through this, help make the transition easier for them as they get used to being in a relationship again. Danse’s affinity for communication helps a lot in this regard, and with Sole’s guidance, as well as Danse’s existing hesitancy with physical affection, the pair work together to slowly incorporate more of what they are both comfortable with, and what they both want in the relationship as it progresses. It's slow going, but even as Sole reassures him, and asks for his patience, he recalls requesting that same such thing when they first confessed their feeling for him, and he no longer finds himself doubting their affections for him. Even on his hardest days, he knows that he has Sole, and he frequently assures his partner that they have him in return.

Deacon:

The Railroad agent feels fucking awful after Sole spills the truth to him. All this time, all the times he’s jokingly given them shit for their hesitancy, for their intimacy issues, if only to distract them from his own. Once they reveal the truth though… yikes. He wishes it were a joke, he wishes they could lie to him the way he’s been doing to everyone else for years, but when they make it clear that they’re dead serious, he just… he doesn’t even know where to begin with his apology.

Deacon’s seen more than his fair share of shit in this plucky little world of theirs, but he could never imagine turning his anger towards the ones who actually managed to care about him. Sure, there was a time when Deacon was the most assholey of all assholes, he’ll admit that, but that shit ended with Barbara. She made him better, he did it for her, and couldn’t have done a fraction of it without her by his side. Why the hell would anyone hurt someone who loves them? In such a way that can transcend those 200 years and make it so they still can’t make eye contact with him in the rare moments he removes his sunglasses, or they can’t withstand one of his already-awkward hugs without flinching away or tensing up.

Deacon may be pretty shit with intimacy, and it may too come from a place of trauma. Not that he’d really admit that, but Sole knows it anyway, and with him, it was because of what he lost, not because of what had been done to him. That stomach-churning cocktail of guilt, of anger, regret, and deep grief, yeah, that’s what kept him from reaching out first, to opening the heart that he still felt belonged to Barbara. Even in death.

This though? This inability to love someone the way they wanted, not because of guilt or grief, but because of fear… He couldn’t imagine it. And he had a pretty wild imagination.

Should’ve known though... Sole was so perfect, there was bound to be something off with them, and he’d be lying if he said he’d never thought of it, but damn, how he’d hoped it was just a false assumption.

He’d make up for his negligence though, even if it killed him. Deacon tends to laugh off every chance he has to be genuine with them, but he fucking tries. Tries to hold their hand when he can see the way they want to, tries to kiss first and not make a big deal out of the tender action, and he keeps his loud voice and spazzing to a minimum. Whereas before he might’ve flinched away from them just as hard, for a much different reason, he now forces himself to remain still, even if he’s uncomfortable, even if it’s tough, because he knows how difficult it must be for them to reach out in the first place. If they can do it, hell, so can he.

Gage:

Can’t Sole see that this shit just frustrates him?

It might’ve been fun at first, this whole “playing hard to get” shit. The way they wouldn’t meet his gaze, how they make it seem like they crave his touch, and then suddenly pull away, how they look so damn nervous around him at times. It was a nice sort of challenge at first, a change in pace from the brutal, fearless Overboss he knew in public, but now he was gettin' sick of it.

If they were trying to get him even more riled up with the way they kept teasing him and acting all hesitant and meek, all this playing hard to get, it was fucking working, but then let him act on it, you know? Or else, what’s the point? What the hell do they get out of it, just teasing him and then leaving him all hot and frustrated? If it was a joke, or some sort of payback for some shit he’s done, that’s fine. He probably deserved it, or at least would think it’s kinda funny once or twice, but it’s been weeks of this shit, and Gage is fuckin’ tired of it.

The hell’s the point of bein’ with ‘em if he can never actually be with them? One evening, he finally snaps and asks. They were kissing him, an' they'd been the ones to initiate it, even, and then, just as he wrapped a hand around their waist to pull them closer, to get to the good bit, Sole wrenched away from him with a nervous laugh.

Who was this? His Overboss was a beast. The one who’d taken down Colter and demanded respect from all the other well-established bosses while hardly breaking a sweat, but they can’t handle a hand on their waist? Can’t look him in the eye? What the hell were they playing at?

Maybe he was a little harsh when he asked them what their problem was, but he was just so frustrated. Did they not like him or some shit? Then why were they playing this whole game at all?

So yeah, sure, he could’ve been nicer about asking them what’s goin’ on, but did it really warrant these tears in their eyes? Why the hell was Sole so damn sensitive around him?

When they’d finally spoken up and gotten through their confession, Gage is the one who can’t make eye contact. He feels like such an asshole. He’s not even mad that Sole didn’t tell him, what right did he have to know about the dark secrets of their past? Especially when he was treating them the way he was? An' now that he thinks about it, he realizes he should’ve known. Should’ve seen the signs. He’s been around enough shits who treat their partner wrong to know what to look for.

He apologizes to them quietly, seething beneath the surface as images of Sole's old partner mistreating them flashed through his head.

I may be a bit of an asshole, but I ain’t a fucking monster. I know when I’ve got something good, and I don’t intend to waste it cuz I got mad or some shit. He promptly and firmly tells ‘em that they ain’t never gonna be treated that way again, not by anyone, not when they’re with him. Gage is a lot of things, and sure, he knows he can be pretty vile, but when it comes to Sole? He’d rather throw himself off the Fizztop balcony than intentionally hurt them. Nah, he’s supposed to prevent that kinda shit, and that’s what he’d fuckin’ do.

Gage is definitely more accustomed to violence than he is softness, but dammit, he’s gotta make up for his false assumption and his insensitivity. Sole is too good for him, and he’s not oblivious to that fact, so though it’s strange for him, he tries to tone down his aggressive nature when they’re alone together. He promptly quits his teasing of them, and his prying, now letting them decide where he touches and for how long. He keeps his gruff voice soft when they’re alone, finding he prefers it that way anyway. No one’s ever shuddered from his breathy whispers the way Sole does, and that shit lights a fire in him.

A fire that he keeps well under his control until the exact moment Sole consents, usually in the form of some rasped type of begging, an' then Gage shows 'em what it's like to be ravished by someone who cares, who knows how to make 'em feel good, how to drain all their troubles away with a couple o' heated touches, both reverent and aggressive in equal measure. When Gage finds that delicate balance of comfortability and trust with his partner, he's relieved as hell to know that, even with his past, the way he looks, the way he acts, Sole still chose to be with him. He doesn't intend to take that shit for granted.

Hancock:

They’d assured Hancock time and time again that his appearance was never something that bothered them. That his touch, though rough, was something that they craved, that they wanted, even when it made them flinch, that the dark hue of his eyes weren’t something he should feel self-conscious about when they refuse to meet his gaze, that his low voice was one that they enjoyed listening to, even when it caused them to shudder.

Hancock trusted them, and more than anything, he wanted to continue doing so. Wanted to believe them, even though their actions were so dissimilar from the things they told him. After a month of being together, of him wanting, needing to be closer to the one he loved more than, god, more than anything else he could think of, and being unable to, he had to voice his concerns.

Sole was his everything, and he wanted them to be just that for the rest of their lives, but if they couldn’t stand his touch, couldn’t look at him… well, it’s not fair of him to stay with them now, is it? He desperately wants them to feel the same, but he knows it isn’t something he can force. It’s up to them. It always has been, and always will be, all he has to do is ask, know, for good. So they don’t have to feel guilty, so he doesn’t need to keep forcing this on them, so they can know that he’ll always care for them, that he won’t leave them, won’t stop being their friend, even if they don’t feel the same way about him.

Hancock feels like a damn fool when they tearfully reveal the truth, and he cannot believe how ashamed they are to tell him. They shouldn’t be the ones feeling ashamed, living with the scars of their partner’s abuse when that asshole rested peacefully in their frozen casket.

Fucking bastard. I wish they were still alive, if only so I could make ‘em pay for this shit. So I could make ‘em suffer.

He’d apologize, maybe for what had happened to them, maybe for not seeing it sooner, maybe for not believing them when they told him they weren't repulsed by him the way he thought they might be, maybe all of it.

They meant what they said about me…

That still baffled him. He was so sure he had it all pegged, that he knew what was plaguing them after all this time, but now, well… Now Hancock would do everything in his power to make them forget what it was like to be treated so badly. What he has in store for them will be so good, so healthy, so easy, and effortless, so warm and tender, that they’ll wonder what it ever was they thought could go wrong. And if anyone ever tries to hurt them again, Hancock will see to it that that person never makes it out unscathed, if only to make up for the one monster he wishes he could have paid such mind when they were living.

Kent:

The fact that Sole even chooses to be with Kent is a mystery to him. One long session of talking their ear off about the Silver Shroud, and he was absolutely hooked on the vaulty. They listened so well, cared about what he said, they were kind to him, sat through the whole thing and never once called him crazy or strange… Maybe those weren’t the only criteria required to immediately fall head over heels for someone, but Kent was so unused to genuine compassion that he couldn’t help but be mesmerized by them. Then, when they became the Silver Shroud? When they saved him from a horrific fate, like the real hero they are? He’d never been more in love with someone. When they said they felt the same, when they smiled at him one day in that little back room decorated with comic book posters and told him that they cared for him… Kent was sure he’d died and ascended to some glorious afterlife where his wildest dreams could somehow come true.

Just the fact that Sole was with him was incredible, and he felt that if he was too eager, too forthcoming with his feelings in either a physical or verbal way, he would scare them off. They would realize how strange he was, like everyone else had. Maybe it would frighten them, how much he already loved them, so early on, but with Sole, how could he help it?

Kent’s as unfamiliar with softness as he is with hand-to-hand combat or the inner workings of a nuclear power plant, and he would never push Sole on something they didn’t first initiate. So, the fact that physical closeness doesn't happen all that often isn't really surprising. This isn’t because Kent doesn’t want it, far from it, but he just doesn’t realize that it’s something he could ever have. He’s a ghoul. He's from a different time. He’s odd. He’s lucky to have Sole even look at him, much less touch him. So he never utters any complaint about their hesitancy with him, and he never notices their flinching and discomfort in regards to himself, only to those around them. When they go to the Hotel Rexford for a drink, or down to the Third Rail to hear some music, he sees the way loud voices make them shudder, how they can’t do eye contact, how anxious they get when strangers lay a hand on them, even when it seems innocent.

Some small part of him is relieved that it's not just something to do with him. Another part of him is concerned, but he keeps his lips sealed. If Sole wants him to know something about them, they’ll tell him. He hopes.

When they do, though, when they notice the way Kent raises his brows when they flinch away from a loud-talking stranger, Sole sits him down and tells him the truth of it. By the end of their hushed confession, Kent’s hands are shaking. How could someone who says they care about them do this? How could they take Sole’s love for granted like that? What was wrong with them?

And why would Sole stay with someone like that when they deserve nothing less than perfection?

That was the same question he asked himself whenever they rested their head against his shoulder, or when they sat with him for hours on end, talking about nothing in particular, but smiling all the same. Now he’s just glad they ended up with someone who reveres them the way he does. The way they deserve.

He may be a ghoul, he may be unorthodox at times, he may be inexperienced and over eager when it comes to loving them, but he knows he appreciates them, he knows that he would never hurt them, no matter what. Though he’s sure they know that, he tells them anyway, and he tells them often.

Slowly, Kent becomes more comfortable being open with Sole about the depth of his feelings for them. He had no idea how much they needed to hear it, and he’ll be darned if he doesn’t do everything he can to make them even a fraction of how happy they make him. Eventually, he even gets the guts to brush a hand over theirs, to press a kiss to their cheek, to scoot closer when they sit beside one another, and when he sees the way they reciprocate, hesitant as it may be, it warms him from the inside out. He’s never been in love like this before, never had someone who craved his touch the way Sole does, never had someone who overcame their fears for him, who called him “their hero”.

That one got him. Tears filled his eyes as they said those few words, and Kent Connolly would vow right then and there that, like a true hero, he would never let them down.

MacCready:

As much as MacCready tries to put up the ruthless mercenary front, he can't fool his partner into believing he's not a complete romantic at heart. When it comes to the softer moments, he really wants to be physically affectionate, and verbally complementary and sincere. MacCready knows better than most what it's like to lose someone he truly loves, and he doesn't intend to waste time with words unspoken and actions unacted upon. However… though he has insisted to Sole that he's moved on and recovered enough to even be in a relationship again, those tender expressions of care and devotion continue to be difficult for him to initiate. As much as he wants to hold them close, to reach out, to open up to them more than he already has, and be his vulnerable romantic self, his anxiety and the guilt he knows he shouldn't feel remain so prevalent in his mind and heart, that he finds himself physically unable to initiate, even when he wants to.

It almost puts him off, how okay with it Sole seems. They don't complain about his reservations, they don't initiate in his place, they don't act with him the way he wishes he could act with them.

But Sole and I… we're so similar…

He said it when they first began their relationship, and he's known it ever since. They're two sides of the same coin, and maybe, just maybe, the reason they're not behaving more affectionately in his stead, is because that same self-guilt is tainting their mind and actions as well. He said it almost off-handedly one night, as they lay beside one another, as he forced his hand to lay over their stomach and he felt them tense beneath his touch. He tried to explain his behavior, and mentioned quietly that he was glad they were so similar. That they both had to deal with the grief of losing their spouse, and the guilt that comes with trying to move on.

Sole was silent. He couldn't even feel the rise of their breath after he spoke to them. He allowed it for a moment, knowing the subject was hard, but, when they didn't move at all, he began to panic.

They had to sit up, and he pulled his hand away, hauling his own body up beside them as their breathing hastened. He'd been so nervous that he took it too far, that he assumed too much, that he maybe made them realize that they weren't over their spouse, that they weren't ready to be with him, and he found his own breath picking up in panic. Finally, Sole opened their mouth, and they told him the truth about their spouse. About the one he thought they loved and missed so much that they couldn't be with him, even after their old partner had died and he was living. But the truth of their hesitancy with their relationship was even worse than he imagined.

Initially, MacCready's anger makes him red-faced and accusatory, not at Sole, of course, never at Sole, but he sees the way his response affects them, how their eyes widen and they turn away with arms wrapped securely around their body, and he cools down immediately at the sight of it, taking a breath and letting his anger dissolve before apologizing. He just can't begin to understand why Sole would stay with a partner who treated them so horribly, and yet... They're selfless enough that maybe he could see it. If Sole felt that their spouse needed them, even at the expense of their own comfort and happiness, then maybe it made sense. But that still didn't make it right. Sole deserved so much better.

MacCready continues his hesitant sort of care afterwards, much more aware now of their own tentative actions and shy reciprocations, feeling a deep sense of relief and affection for his partner when he sees that they’re trying to get over their past wounds for him. The same way he’s trying so hard to do with them. It’s slow going, this whole relationship thing, but it’s well worth it, and really? MacCready wouldn’t have it any other way.

Nick:

Nick would be the one to bring it up first. He’s observant as is, but when it comes to Sole, and especially to their comfort level in regards to him, he’s just that much more aware.

The way Sole pulls away, or flinches when he reaches for them, the way their eyes fall to the floor in the face of intimacy, or an argument, he knows that this isn’t how it should be between partners. They’ve never expressed anything but enthusiasm about being with him when it came to Nick’s own previous doubts about their relationship, his insecurities about being a synth, about Sole deserving someone better, someone human. He had no reason to believe that they were going back on their statements that he was enough, that they were happy with him, despite everything that he was, and everything that he wasn’t; and after that, he’d tried not to burden them with his own doubts. If they were happy to be with him, then he was happy to have them. Nick had to come to terms with who and what he is years ago, so if Sole can love him how he is, then he’s as content as can be.

So if it wasn’t him, and they assured him it wasn’t, then naturally, their behavior was derived from something from their past.

It didn’t take long for Nick to come to the correct conclusion, he just wished that he wasn’t right. As soon as Sole confirms his suspicions, Nick becomes supportive in every sense of the word. He’s always been good with communication, but now he’s even more meticulous with his attentions to his partner. He asks when it’s okay to be physical, usually allowing Sole to take the lead unless they ask him specifically to initiate, and he’s always there with a listening ear and cool words of reassurance and advice, if need be.

Nick’s been around a long time, and he’s seen the worst parts of people; helping complete strangers through their traumas as much as he is able is one of the parts of his job that he feels is the most rewarding, but also the most difficult. With Sole, it’s no less demanding, but it’s more worthwhile than most anything he’s ever done.

Piper:

She didn't understand it. Was she doing something wrong? Sure, Piper might not be the most experienced when it comes to relationships, but she can't really be bad enough to warrant this kind of disconnect and disinterest, right?. Again, it's not like she's ever been married or anything, but surely, disinterest isn't something you want from your partner. Especially when it comes to the more romantic aspects of their relationship.

Kissing shouldn't make them tighten their lips and suck in a nervous breath. Maybe at first, that's fine, but months into them being together? It's a little concerning. The whole "No eye contact" thing at the beginning was pretty cute, the way Sole seemed to get so nervous around her made Piper less nervous herself. Now though? It felt like her partner was avoiding her out of more than just nerves, it was too intentional to be endearing anymore. She didn't know what to do.

Piper's fist instinct was to bring it up to her partner, be open and honest about how these actions made her feel, to see why their behavior hadn't advanced over the past couple months, but wouldn't that just make it worse? Sole made her so happy, and they assured her that they felt the same. So…? What was wrong? Instead of figuring it out all on her own, she did the obvious thing, and asked Nat her opinion. Piper left out some of the more mushy details, but was as honest as she could be about the situation when she asked her sister about it. The younger girl tried to help, but mostly, she just confirmed what Piper originally thought. Confirmed that she should talk to Sole about this, since they were the only one who knew what they were trying to say with their behavior.

She was nervous. Her own eyes refusing to meet her partner's as she brought up the subject the next night. She'd been prepping for it all day, had a script and everything, but none of it really helped… or was really needed. Sole told her the truth quickly, their breath shaky as the quiet words passed their lips. They never intended to make Piper feel this doubt about their feelings, about their relationship, but they couldn't help it.

Piper's mouth hung open as the truth came out, her eyes wide and furious at the thought of someone mistreating her Blue. It didn't make sense. Why would they stay with a partner like that? They were smart, remarkably nice, attractive, they could have almost anyone, and they had to know they deserved better, so why? Despite her curiosity, she knew now wasn't the time for that question.

Instead, Piper found herself apologizing. Sole's spouse didn't deserve it, but Sole sure as hell needed to hear from another person how sorry their previous partner should've been. It would never excuse what they did, never make it better, or make it okay, but… at least it was something? To know how horrible she felt for them, that she would never treat them that way, or allow them to be treated that way again. Hopefully that gave her partner some peace of mind. After their talk, she's much more open with her communication. Asking if she's making Sole uncomfortable, seeking their verbal consent with actions she'd once thought of as simple and innocent, because now she knows. Knows that any of those actions she sees as such may be anything but, for Sole.

Preston:

From the moment Sole confessed their feelings to the minuteman, Preston was overcome with joy, with real, actual hope for his future for the first time in ages, and with an overwhelming need to be close to them in every way possible. So, when they flinch at his eager touch, he’s briefly heartbroken before he forces himself off the ledge and manages to sit down and speak with them about it.

Preston tries not to pry, but when Sole tells him the truth about their past he gets, well… Preston doesn’t lose his cool easily, he tends to remain quite calm, even in the hardest of situations, but even he has his limits, and this… This infuriates him. He wishes against all logic that he could go back in time and stop their spouse from treating them so cruelly, that he could knock some sense into the one who decided Sole ever deserved to be treated as anything but the unwaveringly kind, angelic person they are.

As much as he wants to pull them into his arms and comfort them to the best of his ability, he holds back. He loves Sole more than anything, and has almost since the moment he met them, but Preston drinks gentleman juice with every meal, and refuses to take any further action that would cause them any level of discomfort. He waits until they initiate, asks before he makes moves towards them, and takes particular care in discerning their moods before he reaches out to them physically.

The moment he notices them start to accept him without so much as a second glance, let alone a flinch or a gasp, his heart fills to the brim with affection for his partner. Sole is everything to him now. Without them, he would be gone; and any semblance of comfort he can bring them, any amount of love they allow him to smother them in, he is honored and grateful.

X6-88:

One benefit of being inexperienced in relationship-focused matters is the fact that X6 never thought there was anything wrong with Sole’s actions. Though, their hesitancy was something that became more alarming to him the longer they were together. From the beginning, the courser isn’t necessarily soft with his partner, but his actions are slow, calculated, ready to be corrected or turned away if they were incorrect or inappropriate. His experience levels in matters such as this are limited, both he and Sole are aware of this, so perhaps that was why they didn’t tend to show him their affection as readily as some couples he has witnessed. Though, he doesn’t take issue with it.

What he does take issue with is the way Sole can’t seem to hold his eye contact, the way they flinch away from his movements, how they shrink when he comes too close to them, how they refuse to speak up for themself if they think their opinion may differ from his. It’s similar to how settlers reacted to him. It was like Sole feared him.

X6 was used to it, he actually tended to revel in the fact that his imposing character did it’s job in convincing the surface dwellers of his violent capability. But with Sole? That’s not what he wanted… They were his director, his partner, Sole should be able to rely on him, they should know that he looks and acts intimidating only to ward off those who wish them harm. He only looks this way, and acts as he does to protect them. Don’t they know that?

Before Sole even has a chance to tell him their history and the reasoning behind their behavior, X6 sits them down to communicate that his intent is never to intimidate them, he wants that to be transparent in it’s clarity. When they do tell him the truth though, he’s silent.

X6 doesn’t understand why Sole would settle for someone that they fear, for someone who causes them pain, when they are as incredible as they are. Don’t they understand their potential, their worth, the respect that he holds for them? They shouldn’t take any less, shouldn’t have to settle for someone that doesn't see them in all of their glory.

The courser was always observant of Sole’s behavior, especially in regards to him, but after they tell him the truth, he’ll be even more so. He will always be cognizant of their points of pleasure and comfort, the threshold of what they consider to be acceptable contact, and the barriers that guard them from actions that may reopen their past wounds. He allows them to take the lead, as he was always expected to do. X6 isn’t in a hurry, whatever Sole is comfortable with, he will try to engage with them to that level, and no further. After what he learned, he understands the importance of being gentle and hesitant, of being communicative and observant, and his directive became clearer to him. He will ensure that Sole never feels what they did with their previous partner in his presence. The fear he demands from others in response to his mere presence, should never exist within Sole, no matter the circumstance.

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