Hello, I'm StimpakStimpak. I'm very late to the fandom, but I hope I can bring you a smile.
This is my Masterlist.
Currently I am open for asks regarding the Fallout 4 companions. Feel free to ask anything related to them and I will do my best to answer.
I am open for asks regarding individual companions or characters from Fallout: New Vegas or Fallout 3. I will not be doing full companion rosters for these games yet.
Current Key
[!] - Contains content that may be distressing to some readers.
[♡] - Sexual themes present.
Last updated: 29/05/2026
Fallout 4
Companions react to...
Sole Survivor falling asleep on them.
Sole Survivor gets into homesteading.
Sole Survivor who is sensitive and distressed by the cold.
Sole Survivor who never takes off the Silver Shroud Outfit.
Sole Survivor who is very pro-ghoul.
Sole Survivor adopting a second dog.
Sole Survivor who has periodic leg issues.
Sole Survivor going missing.
Sole Survivor who is never without Dogmeat.
[!] Sole Survivor with self destructive habits.
Sole Survivor who is hard of hearing.
An Immunocompromised Sole Survivor.
A Rain Wistful Sole Survivor.
A Poorly Sole Survivor.
Sole hiding injuries from them.
Sole Survivor's book club.
[!] A Chubbier Sole.
An Engineering Whizz Sole!
A Sole Who Always Brings Them Gifts.
[!] A Sole with Chronic Back Problems.
Nail polish!
Halloween.
A Sole Survivor With Echolalia.
The companions...
Fast food orders.
Romanced companions...
[♡] ... expressing jealousy.
... with a chivalrous M!Sole.
[♡] ... thoughts on bondage.
Crushing companions...
[♡] ... with a very open Sole.
... Catching Sole checking them out.
Character Specific
[!] How Danse reacts to Sole giving him tasks post Blind Betrayal.
Headcanons: Preston Garvey.
R!Nick with a Sole who falls for DiMA's tricks.
R!Carrington with an M!Sole headcanons.
Random Headcanons
0. Two random headcanons for each companion.
1. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion.
2. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion.
3. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion.
4. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion.
Headcanons For Companion Interactions:
0. Cait
1. Codsworth
2. Curie
4. Danse
5. Deacon
Miscellaneous
So what's the deal with Gen 3 Synths?
Wedding rings in the Brotherhood of Steel. (Fo4)
What the hell is Initiate Clarke talking about?
Faction Leader Headcanons
Fallout New Vegas
Miscellaneous
Some wedding ring drabbles: Christine Royce.
SINCLAIR!
Fallout 3
Character specific:
Headcanons: Butch Deloria.
Memes
PSA: Know your ask blog
Yapping to Anon
"What are your favourite topics to write?"
My timpak
My Beloved Fridge
Amazing art by @sproutedivy of one of my Nick and Codsworth Headcanons.
This angst piece by @sproutedivy of Danse and Strong from this headcanon.
went to send an ask and realized anon was turned off, was that on purpose? I sent an ask once and I remember it was on, just wondering so sorry if that’s a rude question ^^”
Oh hello! I'm glad to see you. I apologise if this has gotten in the way of your ask.
I'll be honest. I initially wrote out a big explanation but I think short and sweet is best.
- I got a very disturbing ask focused on gore.
- Other ask blogs I know got the same ask.
- The ask was repeated multiple times on Anon after I didn't answer within a day.
- I blocked the account as I believe it was copy pasta or intended to distress.
- The individual made another account and repeated the anon asks.
I want to clarify this ask, I feel, was written to get a rise and disturb. I have NEVER had this problem with my wonderful Askers and I don't want anyone to think I like doing this. I want to give every ask I get a good shot.
Tldr: There is someone going around spamming a very specific ask based around gore to Fallout ask blogs. I have turned off anon in order to get some peace.
Apologies for any inconvenience- I know anon is what's comfortable for most people. I will put anon back as soon as I can!
Up to you if platonic or spicy but how would the companions take it being stuck in a tight space with Sole? Something like a Pulowski Preservation Shelter or in a storage cupboard? No worries if this toes the line a bit but would really love to know what you think! :)
Why thank you for the ask, my most esteemed friend who I would NEVER ask questions to regarding the length of a certain raider's bodily hair. You can toe my line anytime.
I am eager to answer this one- even though I have been sitting on it a while.
For this I am assuming platonic and it's taking place in a Pulowski type thing. Maybe there is a third wheel skeleton too. I've been sitting on this one for a while and it feels murky but I can't keep fiddling at the air.
Content warning for claustrophobia, implied panic attacks.
The companions react to: Being trapped in a small space with the Sole Survivor.
Cait
Pre Benign intervention
Cait HATES it. At first she pretends not to care, but all the drugs mess with her senses. Things are always shifting between muffled and painfully clear, normally walking or moving helps it, but here? All she can really focus on is sole and maybe the skeleton on the ground.
She isn't much help. Isn't fear she feels as much as she feels annoyance. Even if Sole assures Cait that help is coming Cait will start to strike at the walls for a way out.
Post Benign Intervention
Cait has been put thigh through hundreds of self soothing exercises by Curie. She knows every breathing exercise that Curie could teach her. She never admits to using them but she does.
It isn't so much that the enclosed space scares her. Its the notion she feels unable to leave. That she's got to be reduced to a trapped barely lucid fighting woman again. Even if that is irrational in Sole's eyes.
To soothe herself she will use the breathing exercises and is rather insistent on Sole doing them too.
Cait is eager to get out. Far more eager to get out than she wants to show.
Codsworth
Unfortunately: Codsworth is a Mister Handy. Mister Handy robots are propelled and move by a ignition thruster of some sort. As a result Codsworth likely defaults to immediately powering down to protect Sole from burns or suffocation.
Sole will need to power him back on after they manage to escape the enclosed space. After which he likely apologises for the abrupt action and moves on.
Curie
Assuming this is post Emergent Behaviour. If prior to Emergent Behaviour she follows the same procedures as Codsworth.
Curie isn't exactly scared of many things. Even if all things dictate she should be. She's not scared of heights or the Brotherhood, falling doesn't scare her nor does running into a fight to help Sole.
But she is claustrophobic. In the initial period she is fine. She likens it to the centuries she spent locked away.
But then that's the thought that grips her. Her body feels twisted and her throat clenches. What was unremarkable to Curie as a robot is terrifying to Curie now. She doesn't want to be trapped for more centuries. She doesn't want to die.
Curie will be no great comfort to Sole. She looks exceedingly pathetic and terrified as she tries to cower away into the corner she already has to share. She will plead with Sole to help them escape and slips in and out of French for some reason.
Danse
Pre Blind Betrayal
Danse is mostly unbothered beyond guilt. All likelihood is that he is in power armour and poor Sole is lacking for space as a result. Alas one may perhaps not even be able to see the dawned Paladin's face over his steel bosom.
He's very good at keeping watch and listening out, so if it looks like leaving soon isn't an option he will try to stand up and to a side as much as possible for Sole to get comfortable and rest.
The Paladin is focused on completing the objective and keeping his unit alive. He is radioing for Rhys and Haylen to assist at soonest availability. If they can not assist then he will start investigating the Pulowaski shelter for weakpoints. He is still rather good at scrapping and there is little he cannot tear down.
Post Blind Betrayal
There isn't much that changes post Blind Betrayal bar his armour and that calling for Rhys and Haylen is no longer an option. So this is assuming he is out of the power armour.
He's still rather stalwart. When he's on a mission, an assignment, or just has a goal in mind he its able swallow almost all of his worries. Almost all of them.
He's good at talking Sole through it if they become scared. They wouldn't be the first he's soothed and his time in the Brotherhood has made him remarkably good at talking people through their pain.
Deacon
Deacon never aims to be the focal point in any situation. He likes to melt into the background and a Pulowalski shelter really doesn't lend itself to that. That and he may be slightly unnerved by tight spaces.
He is taking it chin up even if he's really unhappy. Deacon is a liar, through and through, and he will lie to himself to get through it. He will lie to Sole too if he thinks it means they can get out and to safety faster.
If it's a matter of having to wait something out for a longer time; then his discomfort will show slightly. Even when he tries to distract Sole with stories that may or may not be real.
Hancock
Help will be along soon enough. Want a pick me up?
MacCready
He's nonchalant. It's not exactly uncommon for ghouls to be trapped away for a prolonged time. Although he really is trying to not think of that as an impending possibility. He's young. In ghoul terms at least. And he has no experience in being trapped for prolonged periods of time. He doesn't want to have that experience, especially if Sole isn't a fellow ghoul.
If it's merely a manner of waiting out before they can leave he's nonplussed. He's good company and can talk to nervous people without sounding patronising or worried. He talks to Sole like they are a person, a friend he holds dear, even if they are scared and snappy. He can be patient.
If it's certain they are getting out and it's just a matter of waiting: he's nodding off. MacCready is no stranger to cramped spaces. Frankly it is almost nostalgic. He will try to get comfortable and wait it out.
If he's particularly close with Sole he will offer to play some old Scout games he remembers. Mostly memory games. He will do the same even if they aren't close if Sole looks distressed and in need of distraction.
The only instance in which MacCready seems at all perturbed is if he is romanced. Being trapped in close quarters with Sole makes it very hard for him to wait things out as he normally does.
Nick Valentine
Less than thrilled. Verging on flustered. The detective really isn't one for close contact unless it's on his and Sole's terms.
It's mostly due to the way he was built. His body is getting on in age and his synthetic nervous system is... spotty. There are stretches of him that you can drag your hand over and he won't feel until you cross a part that does have the nerves in tact. At which point the detective is alert and less than thrilled.
Being trapped close to Sole makes this phenomenon of his form all the nor inescapable.
Piper
Preston Garvey
More annoyed than anything. If she had a cap for every time she's been caught in a tight space hiding from something or other she'd have enough to buy a spot in the upper stands. Not that anyone would. Suds. The lot of them.
Yet being trapped with Sole? It makes it less annoying. At least there is company - good company, in Piper's opinion - that she can talk to. It makes the waiting easier and the escape sooner in her eyes.
She's far from perfect when it comes to comforting. In fact she may be the contrary. Piper is used to keeping lookout. Not only for stories, but to move quickly to protect Nat, and as a result her attention is focused on the outside, what she can hear, and the exit.
She will alert Sole when she hears trouble coming, even if they are mid sentence, and will miss any signs Sole is nervous until it's obvious. At which point she is better, she knows to try her best, but it's clear this is a situation where she can't give Sole her full attention.
Anxious. Will not shut up trying to comfort Sole but it's obvious he's talking for himself in equal measure. Even at the General's side he will feel so alone and closed off, something that makes the nibbling and scratching guilt in his brain turn to gnawing and clawing.
His hands were never steady. Quite frankly the opposite. But the poor minuteman's shuddering is apparent the moment he isn't gripping something. He will resort to holding Sole's hand if they are comfortable to comfort them both.
It's for the best Sole doesn't call him on his fear. Preston will only do so well in confined space, and forcing him to face his feelings in one is a recipe for a very miserable Preston.
There is nothing more he cherishes than the vast open commonwealth and the duty he serves with his life. To be taken from it, even briefly, is not good for him.
X6-88
He's doing a Relay call to the institute immediately. So fast he may as well be rapping. There is no hesitation.
X6-88 has three speeds. Here. There. And X6-88 ready to relay back with Sole.
Hello! I assume as in Cooper Howard from the show- Alas no I do not. I doubt I will be either. I am WRETCHED for sitting through shows or movies. I'm up and down like a seesaw and any down turn in a movie has me needing to leave the room like I've just heard my beloved has been lost at sea.
However I do know someone who does write for Cooper. My wonderful, most esteemed, friend @begin-again-tonight . They also write for the original fallout games and theirs writing is gorgeous. You may find what you want with them.
Besides fallout 4 have you considered writing for the other games? In particular for butch deloria
In truth I have! I'm just not as confident. I've been saving to get Fallout 3 as one of my treats at some point, and I only know it through watching my best friend @begin-again-tonight play it and reading up on it.
I do know a good chunk about Deloria though. He is so endearing in his own loud mouth way and by talos he would not survive on his own outside of the bunker. Paradise Falls speed run any% or it's going to be something stupid. He tries to fight robots with a flip knife. He's God's most hairstyled soldier.
If people want- I can open up asks for the other games but I won't do full companion roster asks. It'll be solo companion stuff most likely.
But for you, since you asked and it means a lot you did. It's my first for fallout 3 so it is very Wonky but I hope you like it.
Warnings for implied domestic abuse (from Ellen Deloria), referenced agoraphobia.
Character Headcanons: Butch Deloria
He is asthmatic. I can't explain it but I am convinced he is asthmatic. Butch has always been spotty taking his daily inhaler, mostly as he tried to hide it from the other kids to keep looking tough, and also because he had a bit of an ego.
Even if he was alone he didn't like having to be dependant on the medication, no matter how many times James explains to him he isn't defined by his medical conditions.
That and I just think it's really funny if between bouts of being an outright bully he had to steal away to take a few frantic huffs of his inhaler.
His asthma is the ONLY thing protecting him from being a Lynx Africa user. It is FIGHTING for him.
Butch Deloria is the son of one of the guards. No one knows which guard. Even his mother doesn't know. She got around with them in part exchange for the guards turning a blind eye to her blatant vices and attitude.
He's a wonderful cook after leaving vault 101. It's when he actually gets to learn and despite gagging at some of the ingredients LW collects: he can make some genuinely good food.
Butch is a very restless sleeper. He doesn't struggle to get to sleep, he knows he needs it, but he struggles to stay asleep. He's used to his mother's... moods and having to move or get scarce in the face of them.
Butch is very touchy. Beyond just always being ready to get in a scrap. He likes to do hair, he likes hugs, he likes throwing his arms around the other tunnel snakes even if they sneer and shove him off. It makes him feel less alone.
He's a big preener. If he gets in a scrape the first thing he complains about (after he's done assuring the LW he is fine and was fine and he didn't need to be saved (with an occasionally cracking voice)) is that the scar on his face will be ugly.
The open sky freaks him out. I think in canon he is agoraphobic, so I think looking up and just knowing he is staring into infinity unsettles him deeply.
He doesn't regret leaving Vault 111. At least not anymore. In the early days he did a bit. But after a while he's glad to be free.
I'll admit I've been sitting on this one. I will likely return to revise it. Deacon is an interesting character in the fact he's effectively clawed his own face off and is comfortable enough doing so that it's treated a hobby. He's a man who refuses to know himself, so defining how he knows others is so murky for me. It's fun.
You can't tell. But it's been multiple weeks and I still am wishy washy on it. Deacon fascinates me but it's the fascination of looking at something I could never understand fully because to understand him you have to be able to know what is true about him. And all I know is he is a man who cares deeply and has done terrible things.
Cait isn't anyone Deacon deems a stranger. He's seen her at more of her lows than she would remember or be happy to know. Until Sole, Cait was another unfortunate soul that Deacon would check in on every know and again, hoping she'd at least find somewhere kind to her. Once he meets Cait properly he is still hesitant to really get too close. He will happily hang out with her and never really asks any questions of her. He thinks Cait is more comfortable that way.
Codsworth is fun. He respects Codsworth and doesn't mind the chiding and hovering. Beyond that he isn't too close to Codsworth but always says hello if he can.
Curie is a darling even if the care she shows has him feeling guilty from time to time. Often Curie is more concerned for Deacon than he is himself. He never refuses the stimpaks Curie offers and does his best to look out for her. She's got a familiar face.
Danse is a fun case. Deacon is caged with his emotions towards others even to the point if sometimes not knowing what he thinks of someone himself. He was part of the operation to get Danse and Cutler out of the Commonwealth and gets a headache at the thought of how it's all turned out. Yet Deacon doesn't avoid Danse immediately. After Blind Betrayal he comes to keep Danse company fairly often and Danse comes around to him very eventually. Deacon claims they are besties.
Dogmeat is the best. No bones about it. Okay maybe a few bones for Dogmeat.
Hancock is a good man who has helped the railroad. Deacon rarely hovers around him too much because Hancock's Man-Of-The-People-Where-Everyone-Can-See really hashes Deacon's Man-Of-No-One-Where-No-One-Cares-To-Look thing.
MacCready is fun. They dig at eachother on occasion with the kind of fatal jabs that can only be forged by playing COD with someone into the early hours of the morning that see into your soul and spit. MacCready and Deacon get along fine enough but as with Deacon most things remain at arms length. Someone who knows your story but never hangs on the turn of each page.
Nick Valentine is one of the best. Deacon knows he can't hide from the detective but that doesn't mean he's admitting anything to the man. Quite the contrary. Nick knows better than to chase Deacon for what they both already know.
Piper tries to get secrets out of him every now and again but he keeps turning the conversation to blast radius. Or canasta. Or chess. Or- how many board games does this man know? He respects her though. Listening to Piper when she talks about a place is often a good way to get a scoop on what's up.
As for Preston Garvey? Preston is a good man and Deacon knows a man running from the past when he sees one. Mainly because they are running the same race and both losing. He respects Preston.
Strong is definitely curious. Although Deacon probably spares as many thoughts for Strong as Strong does for Deacon.
X6-88 is dangerous. Deacon won't mince words on it. X6-88 is a synth who has fully bought into the Institute's story and rejects the reality at every given opportunity to the point he will drag others to effective death and dissection. Deacon will be directly upset with Sole if Sole brings X6-88 anywhere near the railroad or synths. He will not hesitate to attempt to evacuate Curie and Danse if he thinks he can save them.
[♡] Headcanons: Romanced Carrington with an M!Sole
Please note this is the mature addendum to the first part of the response which does not have sexual themes.
Part one here.
Pre Felling of the Institute
Carrington is very diligent about safe sex. He keeps condoms to hand and it's apparent when he's been planning for a one night stand as he comes prepared.
He's emotionally avoidant and closed off to relationships until the Institute is felled. Although that's not to say he's wholly avoidant to simple things without strings. One night stands with few words and goals nothing but physical.
One night stands are murky to him and if he thinks too much on it then he will realise why doesn't mind a one night stand with Sole. Because they've gotten close to him. Too close.
If he doesn't get in his head, if Sole can get him to relax enough (or forget his better judgement, as Carrington would scoff): it's what you would expect of a near middle aged, somewhat sedentary, man. He's a doctor, not a madman like Sole, and he has a corresponding amount of energy.
He never humours any adventurous positions and rathers things where he can't see Sole. The less personal the better. His ideal is to get what he needs and be over with it. If Sole gets their gratification is up to Sole. He tends to prefer bottoming for the previous reasons.
After completed one night stands, the doctor is rather closed off and curt with Sole. Although not to the degree as instances where he ends the night with Sole early.
Post Felling of the Institute
One night stands are still rare as before. But he's far less likely to suddenly shut it down. The idea of Sole being close to him- of he himself being close to Sole- it isn't so uncomfortable. Carrington is slightly less stressed and Sole has proven he is remarkably resilient.
Sex becomes slightly more frequent once he and Sole are together. Although not that much more frequent. He isn't exactly seeping libido. He's not young and spry. His back WILL inform him if he goes too far. Don't even get him started on his shoulder.
He comes to enjoy topping. The doctor isn't going to leave Sole limping by any means but that doesn't mean he can't work Sole to the edge a few times. He revels in his understanding of sole. How to work the man to make him melt. He never admits to anything but he seems somewhat smug the day after if Sole is still processing the night before.
Carrington x m!sole headcanons mayhapping 👀👀👀👀 i never put out asks how does this work
I have like 400 favorite side characters but from what ive seen you at least know Something about Carrington and i don't wanna ask you to write abt someone you know jack about
You are killing it. I am happy to have you in my ask box.
Also please have this gif. I learnt a little Davinci Resolve in the name of the bit. All for the bit.
To be honest I don't yet have opinions on many of the fallout side characters. But I can very easily develop them. Ask me what Arturo Rodriguez is like if suddenly he found a stray puppy, or what he likes in his coffee, or how he is after a paticularly long night with no sleep, and now I am thinking about the man and now I care about the man.
Tldr: Ask me on any character and I will do my best!
I do already care for Carrington though. As Glory said: Stanley Candy-Ass Carrington.
Romanced Carrington with an M!Sole
Pre Fall of the Institute
It is unlikely he humoured any feelings, be it Sole's feelings towards him or his feelings towards Sole, before the Institute is felled. He's in over his head and clinical detachment is what has kept him sane in the face of all those lost in the Switchboard Disaster. He's aware there is no guarantee Sole will be alive to see the sunrise each day.
But he does take note if Sole seems to show interest and will act accordingly. Which sometimes means being rather short and direct with Sole, near picking on the man in a bid to crush any affections.
Yet it will weigh on Carrington. He will sit with Desdemona with his head in his hands trying to reason it out in-between short reminders to Desdemona that chain smoking is not good for her. That he will not be volunteering to clean her lungs when it comes to be they need it.
Carrington isn't averse to flings, however. It is elaborated more on in the mature second part to this ask.
Mornings after such flings have Carrington treading light and short around Sole. He seems almost annoyed with them. They give him plenty to think on when frankly he just wanted to not think.
Yet he does dote on them in his own deniable way. They never get to leave HQ without a medical kit (Carrington claims it's because Sole travels with Deacon), and Carrington is first to object when Tinker tries to take Sole as a test subject.
Deacon can be seen collecting some caps from a disgruntled Glory in the background.
Post Fall of the Institute (Assuming he hasnt been turned to red mist by the BoS or otherwise)
Carrington becomes slightly less hostile to his own emotions. And slightly more reciprocal of Sole's. Disapproving stares become unimpressed gazes. Unimpressed gazes become mildly bemused scoffs and eyerolls. It's nothing fast, but it is happening slowly over the months and years. And before long Carrington will start keeping an ear out for when someone enters HQ in case it is Sole.
To an outsider it would be hard to tell when exactly Carrington and Sole became official. Whenever others are around: Carrington remains professional and never shows Sole any preference. He will shut any flirting from Sole down too.
Although in private he's not nearly as high strung. He's still a very driven man and he isn't the type the melt and go lovey dovey. But his affections lay in small acts of service and gifts. Well. Gifts in the doctor sense. New toothbrushes, restocking Sole's medical kit, very much love in making sure Sole is healthy and well.
Carrington makes a point to remember how Sole likes his coffee. Or how Sole likes their preferred beverage. Expect side eye if said preferred beverage is Quantum.
He is not the cuddliest man. The exceptions to that being when Sole returns after going missing, or after a particularly fraught assignment, Carrington will snatch Sole into moderately a crushing hug. He presses a kiss to Sole's temple and hisses the beginning of a lecture laced with worry and relief in Sole's ear.
But for regular physical affection? It is only in bed. Every morning Sole wakes up bring used effectively as an ergonomic pillow by the man. Carrington will state blankly it is for his back. In reality it's that Carrington is far less caged about his affections when not running on coffee.
Marriage never crosses his mind in a way he will admit. He will consider it if Sole brings it up, but it is a toss up as to whether he would ever accept a proposal. It isn't for any lack of love he holds for Sole, though.
Pet names are his Achilles heel. If Sole manages to find one that sticks then Sole has a way to reliably turn the doctor pink. And get put on the sofa.
Hello! I've been getting back into fallout 4 so I've reading your head cannons.
Anyway could you write head cannons of the fallout 4 companions with a sole who has echolalia(repeating words and phrases others have said)
I read the rules and I saw you write disability stuff as long as it's not about the character suffering, I hope this is alright if not just ignore it, sorry this is long.
No worries at all! This is perfectly fine and honestly I do love these asks. Echolalia is something new to me and I love learning about different disabilities. That and it's really fun to think about what different companions may know about said disabilities and how that drives their reactions.
My rules are mostly against asks where the focus is on the character suffering. I don't like writing disabilities in a single facet or with the focus on the suffering that disability can bring as it feels like I'm making a pity caricature of a real condition. I don't want someone to read my writing about their condition and feel they are only seen for their pain.
I am perfectly happy to research and write about disabilities though. It's an exercise I find really enriching because Fallout 4 notably lacks what was present in previous games when it should go further.
Echolalia is fascinating to me and frankly I am really excited to bite into this one! I never knew it to have a name but it's something I'm far from foreign to. Thank you so much for asking me this and trusting me. I'm so glad you are here!
The companions react to: A Sole Survivor With Echolalia
Cait
Pre Benign Intervention: Cait hardly notices. Her head feels stuffed with cotton and she often misses what Sole says. The result is either she doesn't realise how recurrent it is, or she does and she snaps at Sole for mocking her.
Explanation is landing on deaf ears. Cait is going through a lot and she's not listening as much as she is looking at Sole and hearing them make words.
Post Benign intervention it annoys Cait a little, but she's much more receptive to explanation even if she doesn't seem to believe it at first. She never fully gets it, but as she gets closer to Sole she comes to find it endearing. She jokes she can be certain they arent a synth with the way they go.
Codsworth
Codsworth has always known Sole. He recalls watching them echo with young Master Shaun and the way the young Master would burst into fits of giggles over it.
He doesn't care or mind one bit. At most he will take a bit longer to respond to Sole once they are done talking to ensure they are ready for him to respond but other than that? Sole is Sole. He doesn't mind.
Curie
Danse
Curie knows plenty of physical conditions, but stims and echolalia are entirely new to her. She is eager to learn though and Sole can likely feel Curie watching them with the intensity of a cat that's just seen the treat bag shimmy.
She will occasionally say words at random in different tones to see if Sole is more prone to echoing certain tones. Beyond that she is unbothered by it.
Danse is curious. At first he seems annoyed but it doesn't last once he realises it isn't intentional. Although that takes a hot minute of him trying to discipline Sole as Haylen interjects.
Once he learns the nature of the condition it puts quite a bit into context for him. Sole isn't the first he's seen exhibit echolalia, but this is the first time he's realised all the instances fall under one name.
He's rather firm in advocating and standing up for Sole. Rhys is on an even shorter leash when it comes to his jabs at Sole and Danse communicates clearly Sole's condition and symptoms to Kells and Maxson to prevent irrational disciplinary action.
The only limit is he will call Sole immediately if they echo call signs. Everything else he more or less ignores.
Deacon
He's curious. Not to the point he acts any different outwardly but to the point that he listens for Sole more than he watches them.
Really tempted to see if they will take him saying supercalifragiliciousexpiallidocious.
Beyond that he's fairly similar to Danse and has Sole's back without much or any question. The only time he will call Sole on the echoes is if it is anything related to the Railroad.
Dogmeat
Hancock
Dogmeat doesn't care. Dogmeat is here for the love of the sport. Call Dogmeat a good boy. Sqq
MacCready
He doesn't mind. He at first assumes it a nervous tick which would make Sole's echoes nothing of note. But noticing they do it idly too? He still doesn't really mind.
Hancock at most will comment if the echoes get more frequent or if Sole echoes something that concerns him. He keeps an eye on them and the echoes help him do so.
MacCready is actually one of the best i reckon. He knew a kid called Zip when he was Mayor of Little Lamplight who had a condition that lead him to speak very quickly, so speech conditions don't really phase him.
Nick Valentine
That and his time in the Gunners means he's used to call recall on radios. Occasionally he will mimic back at sole as a result.
He's used to taking care of Duncan too, which means occasionally he will echoe back in a softer tone of voice that a parent would echo back to a baby in. He will huff if called on it and tell Sole to take a hike.
Piper
Nick can't profess to know what exactly is going on. Although he also can't exactly profess to caring when he first meets Sole. Between being rescued from 114 and a mad dash to find Kellog? There was never really the time. He assumed it a stress induced tic of sorts.
It's only down the line he will query sole on it. Once things are settled. Not so hectic. Perhaps when they are roaming Farharbour. Their echoes carry further in the smothering fog.
Once he does know what it is? He goes back to not really caring. He has many other things to get up to with Sole. Chasing them on a harmless thing isn't something he intends to let get in the way of it.
He reasons it's probably like how he still gets old world commercial jingles stuck in his head. He wants to see if Sole remembers the Slocums Joe jingle.
X6-88
She is curious. She's verging on nosey at times. She asks Sole why and it takes her a while to fully understand it. Some topics come easy to Piper, others she needs to think on to be able to approach, so it is a period of occasional poking and curiosity.
Following that she is rather nonchalant. Occasionally she will echo Rabble Rousing Scoundrel back and forth with Sole but that's it. Sole is Sole.
Preston Garvey
Preston isn't the most versed on medical conditions. But he is versed on listening. He routinely misreads the echoes at starts at conversation, leading to some confusion, but once he realises what is afoot he will get slightly better at it.
He never asks for an explanation, he assumes it's a post traumatic stress thing to be frank, and will go off that assumption. He never comments on it or calls attention to it unless he thinks they need help speaking for their duties as General.
X6-88 has likely been briefed on Sole's condition. He doesn't comment on it or acknowledge it. Even if prompted he will remark that Sole's medical condition is not for him to comment on, even if Sole themself is asking.
Normally he has a very short patience for people repeating things, granted he can never and will never express it to humans, so it's unclear if X6-88's ambivalence is true or a product of Institute rules.
What do you think the companions' opinions would be on Halloween?
We know that it was coming up when the bombs dropped, and you see plastic pumpkins and candies here and there around the Commonwealth in spite of how much time has passed. There is almost definitely remnants of parties and the like if you know where to look, even if it's near unrecognizable at this point.
Another interesting aspect is how each of them would handle the horror/scary side of Halloween, especially since you can see some darn frightening stuff already! [ferals, death claws, super mutants, etc.]
Ivy! I'm so happy to get an ask from you. This one admittedly became a bit of a ramble but I hope I've done good by you.
The Companions React To: Halloween
Cait
She only really humours it pre Benign intervention. Prior to Sole, when Cait was in the fighting ring, there would occasionally be some raiders dressed as death claws or something. But it's so foggy.
Her childhood was little better if not worse for festivity. Bad family can make monsters of holidays and Caitlin remembers that even if she can't remember exactly what happened. Probably for the best she doesn't.
Post Benign intervention? She may well be benched still for her first sober Halloween. Sat in bed and listening to the companions chatter, or hearing Paladin Danse leave early to attend Halloween on the Prydwen. She's glad she's not included. It gives her time to watch in peace and work through... emotions. The first happy holiday is always difficult.
Fortunately she isn't truly alone. MacCready and Deacon keep popping in to check on her, as does Curie in spite of how many pillows Cait weakly lobs at her. Cait spent her first free Halloween in her bed with her friends eating some god awful sweeties. It was a nicer way to end the night then watching silently. Not that she'd admit.
The years following? She's taking it seriously. Even if she plays nonchalant. For some reason she and Deacon seem to have Halloween slightly confused with Easter and keep hiding sweets for eachother to find. It's getting ridiculous. Deacon has tried to use Preston as a hiding spot for sweets no less than three times. Nowhere is sacred. There are packets of gum drops in Hancock's bed.
She still calls it fairly early into the night though. She needs to keep her sleep schedule these days or it's aches ahoy. Hancock subs in for her on ensuring she gets her share of sweets in the morning.
Cait dresses warmly for Halloween. She gets chilly easily. Rarely will she wear a costume but every now and again Deacon eggs her into it.
Cait falls asleep during horror movies. She will not wake. AAAAAUUUGH.
Codsworth
He has another set of plating that is shaped like a pumpkin. He becomes a floating pumpkin. Codskin. PumpsW- no.
There is very little that can immediately scare Codsworth. He can experience distress and worry for Sole but he is never scared. Halloween is effectively the closest he will get to expressing something akin to fear.
Curie
Curie wants in. Curie wants in so bad. Even before she was released from 81 she would watch the vault participants over the security cameras celebrate each year. She has opinions on how many sweets the young are eating but she wants to be included more than she wants to chide.
When is released? She will count the days down as she hovers after Sole. Occasionally she floats off to collect sweets she spots and equally occasionally she gets stuck and has to sheepishly call for help.
Once she gets her synth body she is unstoppable. She wants in. She will ask Sole about every sweet they find and wants to share the ones she finds with Sole each time she's trying a sweet for the first time. Curie has to sit down for this as it is very serious.
As much as she loves sweets she is still the one to hand out toothbrushes and dental kits on Halloween. She does NOT want to god knows how many cavities next month and will goose chase anyone who refuses.
When Cait starts to come around to Curie: Curie will be mildly tempted to get into confectionery. Granted its nothing like her chemistry but it is precise. She reckons she could be decent at it! Plus it is quite helpful to get the other shut ins out of their rooms and helping.
Hancock is surprisingly good at cooking on the fly. He never uses the sugar thermometer and still gets it right. It makes Curie and Danse want to pull their hair out.
Curie wants to go as a Not Mad Scientist. A Sane Scientist. With her ethical human experiment called checking people haven't had too many sweets. She's a dentist.
Danse
The Brotherhood does celebrate Halloween. Although only officially for the squires and other children it is warden to. Squires are free to roam and explore different stations and offices in the Prydwen, for the most part at least, and they get to ask the standing officer about their duty AND get a sweet.
The scary part, you ask? Imagine being a nine year old and having to ask Kells about the bobblehead on his desk. Imagine being eight and being elected by your friend group to ask Elder Arthur Maxson about his coat. Imagine being like ten and being the one to draw the short straw to talk to Proctor Teagan because no one else wants to as they all think he's locked in there because he Bites.
Danse loves it. Although the squires are slightly intimidated by him most of the year; Halloween is the one night he's out of his armour in the armour bay. He will happily talk to the squires and explain to them what it means to be a Paladin (Although occasionally it is a bit grim as Danse does not lie that it is a bit responsibility and lives are in his hands), what the specifications on his power armour are, and how he takes care of it.
He doesn't give sweets. He gives out fancy lad cakes which are slightly better. So his station is swarmed every year. And the morning after he usually gets a few thank you cards. There are a few squires who got really attached to him and would bring their gear to him when it broke, as opposed to their warden, as he is really good at repairs and doesn't scold children nearly as harshly. That and a lot of them have lost their parents to combat so would come to him on occasion for advice on shaving, how to tie laces, the works.
It brought him a lot of pride knowing he could inspire them. He can't bear the fact he was a lie to them.
Danse never dresses up for Halloween.
Deacon
This man would be insufferable if he ever got to watch a Tim Burton movie. He would know every song from Nightmare before Christmas and hums it occasionally around Halloween and Christmas.
The railroad doesn't often get to celebrate much. Any funding for "fun" is almost always redirected to an emergency. That doesn't stop Deacon from trying though. He will scavenge and retrieve odd Halloween decorations and bring them back to HQ. Back in the Switchboard days he would love decorating the tunnels and setting out the occasional sweet in different agent's hiding spots. Once he got locked in the safe trying to do so for Tommy Whispers. Carrington threatened to leave him in there.
These days? Deacon can't get away with it as much. So many agents were lost and the Old North Church is tiny. But he still has something sweet to leave on people's desks. Glory helps him too.
He goes as someone in HQ every year. Last year he was Carrington and it drove Carrington up the WALL. The year before? Tinker Tom. He had a whole alien thing staged with Glory too. This year? He's thinking of going as Sole.
That or he's dressing as one of The Kings.
Deacon also tends to bounce around. Between the main settlement for the companions, diamond city, the HQ, he's a busy man that moves fast. He does so less once X6-88 is gone.
He is always watching.
Dogmeat
Dogmeat is not allowed any sweeties. But he IS allowed yao guai meat.
Dogmeat tends to spend Halloween around different settlements. He acts as a warden for any children hoping to try trick or treating and is very good at guiding them back to the path if they stray.
He will tolerate outfits but booties are a firm maybe. He needs to be bribed to keep them on. That being said: Cait does take to trying to train Dogmeat to wear them. She is fairly disciplined with giving Dogmeat treats (unlike Preston who folds like a chair when Dogmeat pulls puppy eyes) and she wants Dogmeat to wear the booties more often for his own safety. The entire commonwealth is a sharps box and Caitlin knows that well enough.
Hancock
When he was younger he had the bitter idea of dressing up as McDonough to mock him. It was when Hancock was still grieving what his brother had become and the idea tormented it far more than it made him laugh. His skin crawls in hindsight at the idea. His brother's image has already been stolen enough.
In short: he didn't celebrate that year. The years following were rocky until he came to power in Goodneighbour. Goodneighbour isn't exactly outwardly festive. But the Third Rail? Charlie doesn't pass up any opportunity to sort the patrons out. And Hancock always will do what he can to support a good time.
There are few kids in good neighbour. Normally any that are in good neighbour are the most unfortunate. Wards of the neighbourhood, they are often taken in by differing gangs and raised in relative safety. On Halloween? A few of the gangs bound together to cordon off a chunk of Goodneighbour for the kids to play. Hancock usually drops by to make sure everyone is alright and brings sweets for the kids. It's bittersweet to see them happy knowing the world is still so uncertain to them.
Hancock will occasionally join Sole's crew for Halloween. It's normally on years where he's coming down from one chem high or another. He will confess he's fallen asleep on people a non-zero amount of times. Mainly Nick. There is no cool and firm pillow better than Nick.
He also will crash in on Curie's sweets lab. He's rather good at it most of the time even if he's sometimes making it up.
Hancock dresses as Hancock for Halloween. Which means nothing changes but he's now also speaking old timey style until he gets bored of the bit or Nick's eyes roll back out of his head.
MacCready
In Little Lamplight there were rarely sweets. But when there were? MacCready would divvy them up and keep half back in the hopes of a Halloween celebration. Something to cheer the pipsqueaks up and get the kids all back together. He would ask The Lone Wanderer for help in gathering them on occasion. That or he'd get Éclair to ask because he was a busy mayor.
But since Little Lamplight? He hasnt been able to celebrate it even once. Between Lucy, Duncan, Lucy's death, the farmstead, Duncan falling ill... yeah. There just hasnt been any time for him to engage n the merriment. Even less time for him to reminisce on what he misses. But boy does he miss it.
He wants a community again. He resents how wittled down his immediate circle has become and he doesn't want Duncan to grow up alone. He wants Duncan to have a fun Halloween. Maybe even get to dress up.
So when he sees Sole and the others celebrate? He wants in. Although not without Duncan. And not without a costume for Duncan. And he reckons he knows who can help.
MacCready more or less hunted Danse for sport until Danse quit wallowing to hear him out. MacCready doesn't care much that Danse is a synth, makes no difference to him at this point, what he does care for is he knows Danse is talented. He's heard of Danse's scrapworking and eye for detail and he has a blueprint in his hand.
The run up to Halloween for MacCready and Danse post Blind Betrayal is always marked by a few days in the garage. All sorts of noises come out of that garage and frankly Nick is mildly concerned. But every year the two of them emerge with a new costume for Duncan. This year? Deathclaw Cowboy.
MacCready enjoys Halloween. He enjoys tracking people down, putting the community back together, and watching it thrive. He also has never laughed harder than over beers with Danse on the garage as Danse tries to interpret Duncan's drawing. Is... is that Sole?
MacCready would go as Grognak but Hancock accidentally laughed at him when he wore the costume for the first time. Most years he chooses to wear something complimenting Duncan's costume if he does wear a costume.
Nick Valentine
Whilst diamond city DOES celebrate Halloween, some of the residents take it upon themselves to treat Nick as the local scare. He normally gets out of town during the holiday as a result. That OR it's game night with Ellie and the Wrights.
Every year each person brings one game. Nick is notably banned from bringing Cluedo. He contests the ban every year and Ellie winds up sneaking it in anyway. The tax for entry to game night is a box of sweets for Nat. No sweets? No entry.
Nat is scary at monopoly.
If Nick isn't going to game night? He's probably working a case. Something about nights of revelry tend to make pots boil over and people go missing. It's booming business even is Nick's rates are still dirt cheap. He does it for the love of the sport.
He will also join Sole if Piper, Nat, and Ellie do. He will watch the other companions and thrum through idle conversation with Deacon or Hancock. Hancock tends to nod off some years and Nick is no longer a stranger to being made a pillow. Although he really can't fathom why its always him.
If Nick had to pick a Halloween costume he would go as the Silver Shroud. He's not a massive fan but it's close enough to his normal outfit and he wanted something with pockets.
Piper
When she was younger: Halloween was something special to her family. Every year her father would clear a route for Piper and Nat to totter and play along as they go trick or treating without a care. He kept watch and let them play. Piper remembers bits and bobs of it and every time she does she can't help but miss him more. Nat doesn't remember it at all.
These days the usual is game night with Nick and Ellie. She enjoys their company and its safe. Nat gets to go all out on testing new game strategies and Nick gets to humble her in Cluedo every year. Every year Cluedo is banned and every year it comes back anyway.
Occasion Deacon pops by. He never joins, claiming to never have time, but he always throws a wrench in to help the underdog.
Piper doesn't tend to dress up, she never did and doesn't care to much.
Preston Garvey
Before the fall of the minutemen, in the old glory days, the minutemen would coordinate holidays between the settlements. The pragmatic claim it was just for the sake of connecting settlements, but Preston? Preston believed it was for the smiles.
In the new era of the minutemen Preston believes he can make it set. He does what he can to work with each settlement, setting up trade routes and a courier system so treats can be shared. He also wants to set up something inspired by a story Piper told him. Safe routes for the kids to play.
Preston can't cook too well himself but he does have a sweet tooth. Not for chewy sweets though. He likes hardboiled sweets and is very happy when he sees Curie corralling people to join her sweets lab. He has to be restrained from immediately trying to plan for the same thing to be set up in other settlements. Preston, relax.
He never takes part in the trick or treating directly but he does act as a stop. He keeps sweets in one of his pockets and hands them to any children who come trick or treating to his watch post. He also has been made a hiding spot by Deacon and Cait for their yearly sweet hunts. It terrifies him every time when Cait starts sprinting towards him.
He never dresses up for Halloween. He rathers to always be ready. Although he will wear an orange scarf instead of his normal teal one. Happy?
Strong
Finally! He can put up these eco friendly, biodegradable- what? No entrails?
The holiday is lost on Strong. He isn't all that fussed for it and more or less ignores it. That or he watches to observe for any clue to the milk of human kindness. He's already checked the ingredients Curie uses for three sweets and there was no milk apparently.
He is mostly avoided by any children, which is likely for the best as I don't think he would do well cornered by them, but every now and again one will come to investigate and share some sweets with him because he looks lonely. He accepts the sweets but never is really sure how to respond. Good tiny human. Go away.
If he were to wear a Halloween costume he would go as himself because there is nothing scarier than man's own vaulting ambitions. Or something like that. Strong can't remember the exact quote.
X6-88
No.
No.
No.
Fine. He will wear the grinch outfit ONCE.
Roundly the synths that follow the institute are not allowed to or interested in observing festivities. X6-88 was never exactly given an education on any of them and will never choose to engage. He rathers to observe if he must be present, but he can feel eyes on him.
Do you think any of the companions ever paint their nails? Would they let a sole they're close to paint them if requested? Love ya as always <3
Thank you for this ask, Sinclair! This one has actually been really fun and got me wondering a bit on ghouls. I hope this met expectations!
The companions react to: Nail Polish
Cait
Caits nails are a mess. They are bitten and crooked. She isn't the proudest of them and will avoid painting them prior to Benign Intervention.
Post Benign intervention: Cait is on bed rest for a good few weeks. She doesn't have much to do and Curie is her main buddy during this time. When Deacon drops by with some nail polish it is more or less sealed what the two will be doing.
Cait likes the darker colours. Although I reckon Fallout probably had nail polish that acted akin to UV nail polish in that it changes colour when exposed to radiation.
Which is to say: she chose black and wound up with discoball.
Codsworth
Alas he will have to sit this one out. But he wouldn't say no to Sole painting one of his spare plates. Just not his main ones. He likes being able to choose when he wears the art.
Curie
Curie is very intrigued with nail polish. Even before she gets her synth form she loves seeing all the colours. Partly because she is a Handy model and can see shrimp colours.
Once she does get a synth body? It's almost her first port of call. She wants to have her nails done and will ask Sole to do them if she thinks they'll humour it. She would do it herself but she's so excited and her hands are shakey.
She also is very nosey and informative. Whether Sole asked for it or not she is explaining to them how nail polish works, scolding them if she sees them using dip powder and going on a lecture about dip flu, and developing quite a few hand creams out of the plants Preston gathers.
With her steady hand and eye for detail she becomes the main go to for the companions when they want their nails done. She loves it.
Danse
Pre Blind Betrayal
It is an all round no. Not that he dislikes the idea. More so that as a Paladin he is never off duty. He is always to be in keeping with a set criteria for his appearance, which means kempt facial hair, short nails, good hygiene and nothing that makes him stand out.
Makeup is uncommon even amongst those in the brotherhood who would be interested in it as it is effectively banned. No one is disciplined for possessing it but Cade and most medical scribes will cause trouble for anyone who does possess it.
This is because a lot of makeup that has survived two centuries is not the kind of stuff that should go on human skin. The alternative is makeup people make themselves and- well. That goes just as well when the people making that makeup specialise in machinery instead of any dermatology.
Post Blind Betrayal
In the early days? No. He is recoiled and wallowing. Being out of his room without purpose makes his throat feel tight and the despair grip him. So unfortunately the very notion of relaxing and doing his nails is still a no.
But with time? He considers it. He even will humour one or two nails being painted after Deacon harangues him into it.
If he gets into it, which he will if no one gives him grief, he will start painting all his nails. Not exactly for the aesthetic, although he never wants them to look bad, but for a challenge to himself when he's in the garage. He wants to see how much he can work without chipping them.
Deacon
Deacon has a collection already. Even the dip powders, although he won't share those as it'll set Curie on a lecture, and he's got a few tools for it too.
His hands can be steady when he needs them to be. But rarely are they steady when he does his own nails. Often it is solid colour if he does his own. Usually matching his current outfit.
He has a fondness for ones that glow in the dark or the ones that change colour when exposed to radiation. He finds them nifty. He also likes to do Danse's when Danse will tolerate it.
Dogmeat
He will have to sit this one out because I fear he will eat his nails and ingest the polish. But he would like a treat anyway.
Hancock
I'm not entirely sure Hancock has nails anymore. If he does? They are fragile. I reckon any polish he does apply is that for nail health opposed to aesthetic. How did he get this? Curie. She's goose chased him until he agreed to use it and she is VERY diligent keeping him on regime.
If he doesn't have them then it isn't long before someone notices he's left out. Post Blind Betrayal it is actually Danse who will try to include him. It's awkward and stunted but Danse will hand Hancock a box of nail rings that he made for the mayor from scrap he's cleaned and recast.
Hancock genuinely doesn't know what they are until Piper tells him. Once he does know though? He wears them often. He likes being able to tap his nail on his desk. That and they are rather pretty silver ones. He wonders what colours he can have them painted.
MacCready
Immediate no. He's turning his nose up at it and asking if Sole doesn't have anything better to do. He will outright call it girly.
But he does watch. He is curious watching Cait and Curie bickering as they do Danse's nails or Nick snipping at Deacon for leaving acetone laying around when Deacon knows it is bad for Nick's skin.
He will feel jealous. Then nostalgic. Watching everyone bickering over colours or cooing over eachother's sets. A big bunch of idiots who get along most of the time. Before long he will yield and want in but he won't go to Cait or Curie. He goes to Preston.
Preston genuinely doesn't ask questions, unlike Deacon who has already stalked you for answers or is about to Gabby Hannah you for them, and MacCready prefers that. He prefer sitting in the setting sun and talking time away as they do eachother's nails.
Nick Valentine
Another man in the no nails club. Alas. But that doesn't mean he sits idly. His eyes and forensics are unparalleled for reading decayed or floating letters on the back of nail polish vials.
Unlike Hancock: he doesn't really want to be involved. He likes to help but having extra stuff on his hands isn't something that interests him when he's already having to make an effort to keep said hands together.
Piper
No. Not that she doesn't like the aesthetic but that she hates the taste. She's a nail biter and will wind up biting her nails before the polish has even set.
That doesn't mean she dislikes it though. She wishes she could have them. So when she sees Danse making the nail rings for Hancock? It isn't long until she asks for a set too. Danse's old craft is in hot demand as she is very particular about what she wants of her set. He enjoys the challenge even if he seems slightly annoyed.
Preston Garvey
Preston is happy to have them done as long as he as someone to speak to during it. He hates the quiet, even more so when he can't fidget, so as long as he can yap he is happy enough.
The minutemen are far more relaxed than the brotherhood when it comes to "uniform". Show up, don't be naked, take some armour, help people. No one cares if you have your nails done or not. At least not anymore now that Preston is second in command.
He is rather good at it. Despite not being the best with a gun he had a very steady hand. Occasionally he will try and dot on little versions of flowers he sees around the commonwealth.
Strong
I think Strong would be very interested in trying. Bless his soul it would take no less than half a vial of nail polish for each nail but he wants to try.
I don't think supermutants can see too many colours, so most likely he will leave it up to Sole to choose.
X6-88
This man doesn't dress to look good. He dresses to follow the rules and not be naked. If he were a free man he would have ONE outfit that Deacon picked out for him a year ago that looks neat and he's just got about five sets of that. He isn't repeating the outfit if changing the outfit was never an option.
Which is to say: he will never really choose to have his nails done. He claims he can feel the polish and finds it uncomfortable. Or that the colour is distracting. Unless directly ordered to sit still and have his nails painted he will passively object.
Decided to do one big post instead of a bunch of little ones! Headcannons pulled from @stimpakstimpak bc yes
Put under a cut bc it's a long post. Contains Codsworth, Curie, Dogmeat, Deacon, & Hancock, Strong, and X6-88.
Codsworth — Pulled From Sole gets into homesteading; Give him a sunhat. He deserves a nice sunhat.
Curie — Pulled From The Companions Fast Food Orders; She cannot handle coffee. Partly the taste and partly she's the kind of person who can feel her heart beating if she has too much (in this case: any) caffeine.
Dogmeat — Pulled From A Sole Who Always Brings Them Gifts; Oh hell yeah treats.
Deacon — Pulled From Sole Adopting A Second Dog; Deacon loves it, and insists that in addition to naming the hound: it needs a code name. When Sole leaves Deacon unattended with the hound: there is the rare chance he will dress the hound up in disguise. Rarer still he will dress the dog up in a disguise mimicking his own current disguise. [A/N: don't ask why he's a pretty princess here ✨]
Hancock — Pulled From 2. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion; He once had a trip that lasted a week where he fixed the plumbing in the Third Rail. No one knows how.
Strong — Pulled From A Sole Who Always Brings Them Gifts; I'm really sorry but I'm fairly certain he's eating it. He can taste the kindness.
X6-88 — Pulled From 4. Two Random Headcanons For Each Companion; Arachnophobic. Not that he will express it outwardly. But if alone on the surface and he sees anything spider like then hes firing without hesitation.
SproutedIvy back at it again! These are all perfect and genuinely catch what I was going for. Curie especially. I think she just is eyes wide and vibrating someone get her some water or something. Her little smile dropping is such a cute touch too!
I've also fallen for Halloween decorations before. There is a house in Sanctuary with a paper skeleton in the window which TERRIFIED me the first time i was playing. Sinclair will never forget it. I can't mock X6-88.
hello! i hope you are doing well. i would like to request companions reactions to a Sole who has spine/back problems, i have been unfortunate to have those. i often feel discomfort from pinched nerves, and i cant stand or sit for hours on end. i tend to have a… very distinct silhouette, thanks to it. i’m currently replaying fallout 4, and i know that if i had to stand upright as long as my character has, i wouldn’t survive it, aside from the various threats the commonwealth has to offer. i was wondering what would my companions do if they had to travel with someone that has those issues. thank you for reading this, your writing is great and i look forward to your new posts :)
This is such an interesting ask. I love writing these and I'm so happy you enjoy my writing! I enjoy looking at how disability can impact the companions behaviour, the good, the bad, and the Strong, so this is amazing. Thank you for including the brief summary too, it is very helpful.
I will do my best to write this well, and I hope you can be comfortable and thrive.
Content warning below the cut for themes of ableism, and then mild themes of medical coercion in X6-88's entry.
The Companions React To: A Sole Survivor With Chronic Back Problems.
Cait
Cait isn't the kindest until she's been through Benign Intervention. When in the throws of addiction her empathy runs short and she can be quite mean if in withdrawal or dealing with a headache.
Post Benign intervention? She jokes she's right there with Sole in having a bad back land. The time she spends benched post vault 95 is signposted by aches and cramping.
Cait does come to realise she and Sole are very different though. She can still stand tall comfortably, whereas they need to lean or curl to not be in agony. But she never pities them. Cait knows how humiliating it is to be looked at with pity instead of care.
Cait will start offering to carry Sole. That or she insists on carrying the gear when they walk together. Beyond that? Cait never brings it up.
Codsworth
You know how occasionally Siri would tell you the full details of something in your calender? That's what Codsworth does when talking to Sole about their condition. He refers to it by the medical name and never shortens it.
Even two hundred years later he keeps his reminder intervals where he will tell Sole they need to rest, and he near times them if he sees them holding themself unnaturally.
Curie
Curie is sweet, but she is not one for social cues, and is enamoured and thrilled to see Sole when she does for the first time. The vault population often lead to anyone that wasn't in perfect condition being... removed, so being able to see Sole? She's amazed and will hover around them as if observing a natural phenomenon.
Post Emergent Behaviour: she's more respectful. Somewhat. It's apparent she wants to examine Sole and is trying to find a polite way to ask. She recalls some studies on massages and passive treatment and wants to test them almost as much as she wants to help Sole.
She's is fascinated with Sole.
Danse
Danse is no medic. He nearly mistakes Sole for a ghoul when he sees their silhouette for the first time. Thankfully, Haylen isn't so blind and stayed his fire.
It isn't until he offers to sponsor Sole that he will address their condition. He assumes them wounded, instead of it being a chronic condition, and will plead them to come to see Haylen.
If Sole agrees, or explains to the Paladin their condition, he will listen intently. He and Haylen will take detailed notes and Danse will offer Sole a brace. Granted, he can't make it himself (he can, but not without Cade), but disability aides are far from uncommon in the Brotherhood. That and Sole will need an altered power armour frame.
Danse is very diligent, Sole is one of his subordinates, he will take care of them and always keeps note of when they are in pain or when their medication is scheduled.
Even post Blind Betrayal Danse will keep that dedication up. Even in his darkest hours he finds a purpose in upkeeping Sole's brace. It reminds him of the scrap work art he used to do when he was younger. When it was him and Cutler.
Deacon
Sole sticks out like a sore thumb. Or a sore back. Deacon isn't complaining though. It makes them far easier to shadow and also seems to guarantee they cannot be a synth. The Institute tends to immediately... decommission any synths that inherit the condition through Shaun. To the point they never leave the red pool.
Deacon will offer Sole help where he can. He isn't exactly strong but when travelling with Sole he will pack lighter to ensure he can support them if they need. He won't leave them behind and will be honest with Sole if he has concerns about if a given assignment is within their safe ability.
He's always watching. Always watching Wazowski. He will take note of when Sole is visibly struggling more or in pain and always brings them to Carrington. Deacon will also oversee and test any "prototype" braces Tinker Tom makes before letting Sole have them. Nothing personal. Just Tinker Tom is uh... electric at times.
Dogmeat
He doesn't think Sole is any different. Yeah they stand and walk differently to everyone else but like. He's a dog. He doesn't care. He loves Sole.
Hancock
Hancock can sympathise to an extent. Being a ghoul isn't exactly painless. Although when you take as many chems as he does? It almost is.
He will ask them outright what's going on with their body once they are travelling together. That he doesn't mean to be rude but if they need help then he needs to be in the know. He promises to not tell anyone if they wish him to keep his mouth closed, with the only caveat he will tell a doctor if Sole is knocked out in need of treatment.
Sole couldn't travel with a better man when it comes to pain relief. Even if they refuse his chems; he's right up there with Danse in ability to talk people through pain. He's always offering a helping hand.
MacCready
MacCready doesn't mean to be rude but he does make a face when he sees Sole for the first time. He isn't sure what happened to them and is almost too put off to bother answering them. It's the thought of Duncan that reminds him of his manners. If Duncan were to grow up changed by his sickness then MacCready can only imagine how much it would hurt be seen a monster.
Once he's thought through it, he's on the politer side towards Sole. He still chats shit and complains often, but he's polite to them and will go to lengths to act as if Sole is entirely normal.
That then changes again when he learns they are in pain. He seems to stumble as he tries to figure out what to do. It is when he will finally yield and address it. He asks Sole why they stand like that, if it hurts, and how he can help make it go away.
The tone of voice is odd. MacCready is a bit in his own head trying to navigate talking about a topic he knows nothing about and winds up using a softer voice, the kind he would use to soothe Duncan. If called on this he will snap out of it and turn pink. He will become curt and tell Sole to let him know why they stand like that or they can drop the conversation.
If Sole let's him know what's going on? He's very good at helping. Not that he knows what is going on medically, but he knows how to help a sore back. Lucy had one when carrying Duncan and MacCready became rather skilled at organising her pillows to alleviate it. He still remembers how.
Nick Valentine
The one mercy of being in a synth body is that his back never hurts. Even if his dad grunts would tell you otherwise. But that doesn't mean he's forgotten how much of a bitch a sore back can be.
He's owed enough favours around the city that he can get Sole seen by the local doctors as soon as he returns from vault 114 if they so choose. He knows enough to know it seems chronic and that they need support in the short term before the long term can he addressed. No galavanting to fistfight Kellog until Sole is stable.
Other than that? He will occasionally do the dad check where he glances over his newspaper and asks Sole if they've gone to their monthly appointment. He also gets a salvaged ergonomic chair for them in the agency. He's not happy with it yet and is waiting for Danse to chill out before he can ask the Ex-Paladin to help customise the chair to Sole.
Piper
Piper has shrimp posture when writing. Which is to say she knows what it is like to have a mildly stiff and sore back. Which is to say she immediately assumes Sole is going through something leagues worse.
She is quick to ask what's going on, where they came from, and who they are travelling with. Travelling alone in the Commonwealth with a visible disability like Sole's is often a death knell and Piper is amazed to hear of Sole is travelling alone.
Piper takes it upon herself to get Sole to rest at her place. She will draw them up a map of all the benches in Diamond city and will ask them to promise her they won't travel alone. She apologises and knows it must be infantilising, but insists she wants Sole alive. That the Commonwealth is kinder to two people than it is to one.
Preston Garvey
He is no doctor. But he is one of the kindest souls in the commonwealth. One of the most determined too. One does not simply transport a drug addicted granny across Massschussets. Oh no.
He's rather good. He never asks outwardly but it's apparent he's aware and observing Sole, trying to determine what help they need. Trying to be of service.
He will encourage Sole to rest often and brings them warm drinks. If he can he will salvage a hot water bottle for Sole to use on sore muscles and works with Sturges to build them a walking cane.
Strong
Strong doesn't understand. He will listen but he doesn't exactly comprehend the complexity of the human skeleton she back.
He does offer to help and will occasionally bring Sole spines he deems "healthy" to offer on substitute. Don't ask where he's getting them.
X6-88
X6-88 is normally ambivalent towards Sole in most of my writing, but this is an instance where I think he will move towards actively pitying Sole.
The Institute knew of Soles condition. Yet instead of leaving Sole to die painlessly in cryosleep: Father chose to force them out into the wasteland with nothing. X6-88 is a man for efficiency, not needless cruelty, and pities Sole for the fact they were left to effectively die or live in agony.
He is rather attentive. He's still cold and dismissive but will guide Sole to the medical bay every week. He will advise them to ask for surgery, not really caring for how invasive it may be or Sole's own opinions, to alleviate their agony and "fix" them.
If they refuse: he doesn't voice any outward annoyance. He can't exactly fault Sole for being bitter towards any "help" the Institute offers. He will ask them instead to accept a custom brace or exoskeleton to soothe them and will go to great efforts to assist them in it.
Hey hi hello! I found you through Stimpack and Stimpack said you are a Gage scholar. Could you please help me settle an argument? Do you think Gage is circumcised or not? Sorry for the trouble!
I... I cannot believe this is my legacy. Thankyou StimStim. Please never apologise Anon, every ask — even ones about circumcision — are greatly appreciated and I'm always happy to receive them!
Please send another ask if you'd prefer a longer, in-depth analysis of Porter Gage's bottlecaps and nuka-blaster; but to cut a long post short... no. No i do not think Gage is circumcised.
I base this off of the following:
Whilst circumcision was incredibly common during the time period that the Fallout universe is set in, we need to take into account external factors such as Nuclear Armageddon and the availability of a medical practitioner during Gage's birth.
Gage's parents are implied to be poor: their farm was small and they regularly gave away supplies to raiders. I find it more likely — also considering Porter's accent — that he was brought up somewhere much farther south than Boston, and probably rural. Raiders tend to avoid targeting defended, inhabited settlements and Gage states that a singular raider threatening his parents was the catalyst of him running away.
This leads me to believe that the Gages were not wealthy and quite possibly considerably isolated... therefore the likelihood of having access to a doctor would be slim, in my opinion.
Even in the case that one or both of Porter's parents had medical knowledge: I find it unlikely that they would take the unnecessary risk of infection and harm. Surviving childbirth in the Wastes is difficult enough — I believe that the only place where circumcision is a common practice is within the vaults.
If Gage was to be circumcised, I would imagine it would come from necessity due to an injury or medical condition that has affected him later in life.
Hope this settles your debate and can't wait for the ask of ranking every circumcised Fallout character to come! 💛
Another amazing answer by my darling friend Sinclair. I cannot put into words the admiration I have for the academic rigour, dedication, and passion they demonstrate in the commitment to the bit. They are truly one of the best writers I know and I cannot recommend their blog enough.
Please give them all the love you can.
Anyway ...
WHICH ONE OF YOU RATS ARE STILL PUTTING A C IN STIMPAK?
I am very happy to try to do Porter Gage asks but I made this little meme to yesterday's snaffu. I posted my headcanon on faction Leader Headcanons early and Gage's was... well it was like three words because I was still fidgeting on it. That and I have never actually played the Nuka World DLC So my knowledge on him is sparse. Unlike @begin-again-tonight. Who is an avid Gage Scholar. Behold!
But earnestly. They are an amazing writer and put care into every ask they choose to take.
