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.
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.
No worries if this isn't up your alley, but what would the companions think of a chubbier sole? Would they stick out like a sore thumb as a pre-war relic? Would anyone tease them for it? Platonic or romanced is fine depending on your comfort!
Thanks a bunch for all the amazing posts and so looking forward to what's next on the blog!!! <3
Thank you for the ask, Crabs! I really appreciate these asks that make me look at the companions for how they treat Sole. It's a fun exercise in seeing how each approaches difference.
I will keep this one as platonic, but if you want a romantic one please do send another ask! I'll happily do a romantic equivalent, I just default to platonic.
Content and trigger warning under the cut for fat shaming and negative stigma re body type.
The Companions React To: A Chubbier Sole
Cait
Cait isn't trying to be rude but she isn't exactly trying to be polite either. She will address Sole as Tubby on the odd occasion and in the early days she is rather outright rude scoffing at Sole for eating a regular meal at a regular time.
Cait is never one to apologise. You'll sooner get her playing princess than saying the word sorry. But as she gets closer to Sole, especially after Benign intervention, she gets a bit introspective.
She will bring Sole things she's seen them enjoy and share it with them.
Codsworth
He is kind, but you can tell he's got a bit of that odd corporate body positivity to him still. Refers to Sole as full of love or other mildly disjointed things.
Think akin to how he remarks to how F!Sole needs to neaten up for the hubby when he first sees her out of the vault. It's that kind of cheery demeaning talk that is dismissed as common banter until someone points it out.
Curie
Curie doesn't find it odd at all. Infact she she verges on appreciating it. She's used to vault populations and pre-war data so a lot of her core understanding is out the window with the fact that most people outside of cities have to be on the tougher side.
Beyond that she doesn't have much an opinion. Sole's body is Sole's body and she's happy they are healthy.
Danse
At first he's mildly worried if they are fit to serve. But providing they are? He doesn't care. As long as they are healthy, fit, and mentally well then ad victoriam, Knight.
He never makes Sole's body his business unless he has to, and is rather quick to stamp out any fat shaming or jabs from Rhys or others in the Brotherhood below his rank.
Deacon
Doesn't care. At most he will occasionally tell them to stay back if they are sneaking but he's ambivalent to their body.
Dogmeat
Oh fuck yeah cuddles. Dogmeat doesn't think of people in terms of their appearance, moreso he thinks of them in their behaviour, their voice, their smell, the pets they give.
He loves Sole. No matter their shape or size. And he's running towards them at speed. Sole- Sole lookout-
[Imagine this is Dogmeat]
Hancock
Hancock isn't commenting outright but frankly he prefers it. Too many people wasting away because food is taken from their plate or they have to cut back on their own to keep others afloat.
He won't really comment on it beyond that, he's got plenty of things he can appreciate about Sole and flicks between them all.
MacCready
In the early days he is a bit like Cait where he will insult Sole with lockerroom jabs and asking if they are sure that roof can take them. But unlike Cait he will apologise outright if called on it or if he has time to think on what he's said.
MacCready is sharp but he doesn't want to be cruel and furthermore he doesn't want to hurt Sole. He would be upset if Duncan acted towards anyone the way he's acted towards Sole too.
His apology is earnest. He will still sometimes verge on poking light fun way Sole but he catches himself much the same way he does with swearing.
Nick Valentine
Nick hardly bats an eye. He isn't one to comment on bodies, especially not for Sole with how much else they give him to comment on, and he prefers not to oogle.
That being said, he finds it refreshing to see someone who isn't so captured by the constraints of fallout. Sometimes it makes Nick nostalgic for his own body. He can't remember what it looked like anymore.
Piper
Piper isn't lithe either. I do not care what Bethesda did to her but she is not eternally exercising. She is a desk job paired with occasionally running for her life. She is also on the squishier side in my mind.
She doesn't care. She enjoys not being alone and further still enjoys Sole's company.
Preston Garvey
Preston hardly notices until he's recovered. And when he does? He's not got any strong opinions. He's the kind of man who can't look at someone's body for no reason too long without feeling like he's doing something wrong.
Strong
Human must be storing kindness. Or good food. Either way Strong will study this.
If Strong wasn't working to learn from the humans he would choose to eat Sole first. Take that as a compliment if you see it as such but I'm not sure.
X6-88
X6-88 doesn't care. He will not comment unless Sole is somewhere precarious stating he doubts they have the flexibility for that.
It does, however, make him notice how homogeneous all the institute scientists are. All one body type, similar height, similar gaits. X6-88 is mildly concerned the Institute's faltering genetic pool is finally showing its hand. Not that it's his problem.
thoughts on how companions would treat a sick sole survivor? and maybe sole keeps trying to work on projects but is making no progress because they are sick?
Oh dear! I'm sorry to hear you are under the weather. Make sure to drink plenty of water do some light stretches if you can. I find that makes things easier when I'm poorly.
Take it slow and know you are beloved. It will be okay.
Here, for you. Regular's bonus.
Anyway, on to the actual food-
The Companions React To: A Poorly Sole.
Cait
Cait isn't exactly one to speak from a position of authority when it comes to telling Sole not to work when they aren't fit to. She can't count how many times she's gotten into fights or gone in the ring when sick.
Doesn't really stop her though. Once she's close to Sole it is not long at all until she is on their case. It's nothing invasive at first, mostly open ended questions or remarks asking if Sole is sure they should be doing that, but if Sole continues to work or decline then she's wresting their hands from the project and bullying them to rest.
Codsworth
He's no medical robot. Whilst he can detect temperatures he is easy enough for Sole to push off when he first alerts them they are poorly and should rest.
He will continue to alert them that they are poorly and should rest.
Repeatedly.
Curie
Out of everyone: Curie is the MOST on Sole's case. She will inform them of their symptoms, like they aren't the ones dealing with said symptoms, and proceed to explain in detail how each works and how Sole continuing to work will risk further damaging their health.
She isn't beyond fetching Danse or Cait to physically move Sole to the bed.
Danse
Danse is very observant, even if he occasionally misses social cues he never misses changes in someone's visible demeanor, and he can tell when Sole start to tick down.
If it is prior to Blind Betrayal: straight to Cade. Do not pass GO. Do not collect £2000. Sole is point blank ordered to go straight to Cade and can expect discipline from the Paladin if they refuse. The only exception being if Sole is actively afraid of doctors in which case he orders them to see Haylen and if they don't improve in the next few days then he accompanies them to see Cade (schedule and assignment permitting).
Post Blind Betrayal Danse is much more alarmed. He doesn't have the same support network as he did in the Brotherhood and for a moment he is fearful of if he has anyone he can send for to help Sole. Thankfully Curie is a sweetheart and will work with Danse to make it very clear to Sole they can either go to bed willingly to rest or they can go the fun way which involves Danse and Deacon herding them like a sheep.
Deacon
Deacon never makes it something he will comment on openly. But Sole knows he's watching and they know he's probably already pulled strings.
When he and Sole reach base or RR HQ they are immediately sat down by Curie or Carrington respectively. Deacon has radioed ahead to see to it that they are treated asap and will get in their way if they try to continue working.
Dogmeat
Sole isn't getting out of bed. He is laying on top of them and will look so sad if they try to get up. It's emotional manipulation.
Emotional manipulation that will very quickly be traded for Fetching Strong To Get Sole Back To Bed.
Hancock
He isn't one to baby Sole. He wants them to feel free and will offer some chems to them if he thinks they will help alleviate some symptoms. But if it becomes apparent they aren't resting? He's sighing like his hands are tied. Kid, you get to bed and rest or I call Fahrenheit.
He will let them crash in his room. He isn't the best cook in Goodneighbour but he is well connected and will get them something warm to eat.
MacCready
He tries to hide it but there is no denying the way MacCready's face drops when he first realises Sole is sick. Of course it's no Duncan Level Sickness but still. It scares MacCready.
Once he's over the initial fright he's tapping his foot and furrowing his brow. In no uncertain terms he tells them it's back to bed or he's getting the others.
Mayoral scowl dot jpeg
He can make a really good soup for when Sole is sick. The kind that sipping makes you feel sleepy and relieved.
Nick Valentine
Nick rarely fully minds his own business. So when Sole takes ill he calls it early for them. He will walk them home and call for Curie to help out if he can and it's very much like arguing with a dad who doesn't want to hear it.
Not that he's mean or harsh. More just that any attempt to wriggle out of bed rest earns a quick shut down. Its like Sole is being walked to the slammer.
Piper
Piper has effectively raised Nat these last few years. She knows when a bug is coming on but by the same merit she is a very busy woman. She will check in frequently with Sole but unless she is given immediate reason to act she will trust them to take care of themself.
If they continue on to not rest then she is tutting and crossing her arms. She is sociable enough and will try to convince them first to rest. After that? She's getting MacCready or Nick.
Preston Garvey
Preston is a chronic overworker. He is probably the last of everyone to notice Sole working when sick because chances are he's caught their bug and is doing the same damn thing.
If he does notice, however, he's a blatant hypocrite and will suggest, plead, and then direct them to rest. He's got a recipe book and will try to cook something for the both of them to put them on the mend.
X6-88
It's as immediate as it is unceremonious. Sole is borderline kidnapped as X6-88 gingerly but firmly holds them and relays right back to the institute and hands them over to the medical department. It's almost like how someone would drop their laundry off to be washed.
He remarks he will accompany them once more when they are recovered.
If Sole attempts to leave the medical department's care he will be sent to retrieve them and he will grimace when he does. This is gross. Don't sneeze on him.
