Her hair is actually a brighter ginger but she keeps trying and failing to dye it black so it stands out less. Turns out two-century-old hair dye is pretty mediocre.
Allergic to grass. Nothing else. Just grass.
Codsworth
A defective unit. Nate and Nora were asked to return him (which is why they still had the box he came in) but neither wanted to. He was smarter than the rest and they loved him as he was.
Can see shrimp colours and will occasionally try to clean stains only he can see.
Curie
Has been running on cleaning alcohol instead of Mr. Handy fuel for the last century odd. No one knows how. That really shouldn't work.
Once she gets her synth body she is very eager to try as many foods as she can and is equally enthusiastic in the facial expressions she pulls when some of the food is disgusting.
Danse
I like to think his name is Noah. That he takes it or is given it by Sole or Haylen. But that's my own little one. I just think he looks like a Noah.
He's the one who taught Elder Maxson how to shave his beard. Not directly. More passively as it was about five years before fallout 4 and he was shaving his beard in the communal locker-shower-room thingy and a 15 year old Maxson would watch occasionally to learn. Arthur Maxson didn't really have his dad to teach him afterall. And Danse wouldn't comment or turn his nose up like Maxson knows some of the other knights would.
BONUS: I think Cutler was also a synth. I think Cutler and Danse escaped the Institute together and were given corroborating memories to help them blend in and because they pleaded to not be separated.
Deacon
He is ginger and sunburns professionally.
Deacon isn't his actual name, which is weird to realise, and I really don't know what his actual name would be. But he vibes like he would have a double-barrel surname from when he was married to Barbara. He keeps it even though no one else will ever know or hear it again. It's his little proof that she existed and she loved him.
Dogmeat
Why is he called Dogmeat.
He is oddly well trained. Like to the point he's effectively a support dog. He can open doors.
Steals shoes but only ever the left one. He never takes both shoes. Only the left.
Hancock
Perpetually runs very warm.
Has a dulled sense of taste and will actively try out any spicy food he can. Can eat mirelurk or other normally repulsive food without tasting it too much.
MacCready
Perpetually cold. He sleeps with socks on and hugging a pillow because when he was on the farmstead with Duncan he often would share a bed with his son. He misses his son.
Really unsure on if crap counts as a swear word or not.
Nick Valentine
He knows Skinny Malone's mother on a first name basis and it haunts Skinny Malone. Nick is aware of this.
He brought Ellie to diamond city from Goodneighbour and sees her as a neice of sorts.
Piper
Collects pens and pencils. Her dream is to find a mostly intact set of gel pens to give to Nat.
She has a mug of her own at The Valentine Detective Agency due to how often she goes over to brainstorm with Nick over a case or story.
Preston Garvey
Gets terrible hay fever and has to wash his face regularly to stop any pollen building up on his eyelashes.
He collects a recipe from every settlement he visits. He wants to make a cookbook of the commonwealth one day because food brings people together.
Strong
Knows how to spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and nothing else.
Getting really annoyed with how low all of the door frames are. He keeps banging his head and he's not happy about it.
X6-88
He finds the idea of dinosaurs rather cool. He is glad they are extinct. But still. He wonders if he could beat one in a fight.
The white lights in the Institute give him a migraine which is why he never takes the sunglasses off.
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! 💛
Has unfortunately vivid dreams. They arent always bad, thankfully, but they are always surreal. It makes getting to sleep every night a reluctant surrender because she knows she will feel whatever dream awakes her.
Post Benign intervention she puts on some weight. She's visibly healthy now and her hair isn't falling out anymore. Although it still is growing back in so occasionally she keeps her hair messy to hide the patchwork.
Codsworth
Has been out of cleaning supplies for years so has been cleaning via heating things. Anything flammable he attempts to boil but that's asking for rust.
He can tap into local radios and if Sole let's him he will keep an ear out for their Pipboy frequency so he can get things ready for them when they are on the way home.
Curie
In her synth body she is actively straining her voice some to make it sound like her original voice box. This occasionally causes her to lose her voice or have voice breaks.
She tailors each stimpak she makes for the person she makes it for. Exact dosages scale to the patients size, activity level, tendency to get into situations.
Danse
Something Something awkwardly holding Sole as they sleep and he only moves every hour or so. Not for his own comfort, absolutely not because he's twisted as much like a pretzel as he can be, but for Sole's. He is trying to think of how he used to sleep on Cutler's shoulder after long missions. How he used to hold Cutler when Cutler slept on him. Tldr he's awkwardly trying to cradle Sole and cover their ears from any vertibird or power armour noise. Even if they are in bed. In sanctuary. Old habits are filled with a mourning love.
He doesn't have a favourite beer. Not that he'll admit. But he DOES have a least favourite. He won't admit that either but you can tell by the slight frown on his lips and furrowed of his brow.
Deacon
He wasnt bluffing about the secret handshake for the railroad. He was honest. He made it fully and has a book he's drawn out with each of the hand gestures being snippets and extracts of hands from old shopping catalogues and posters.
His code name is some sort of rank in the church. I don't know if he is still Christian, but I can imagine maybe he was in his youth. That joining the UP Deathclaws was senseless lynchings justified by bible verses Deacon chose without yet understanding or caring for any nuance that contradicted him. That the code name he wears in the railroad is an eternal reminder to himself of how he twisted faith to justify his actions in his youth, and how he must to atone.
Dogmeat
If laying down when getting good scratches: he kicks all legs instead of just one.
Can get out of any collar put on him. And any harness. He refuses to be robed.
Hancock
Ghouls have a very funky circadian rhythm. Hancock can go days or even a week without sleep and then not last thirty minutes without yawning. The chems don't help either. The only reason this man doesn't have bags under his eyes some days is because they melted off.
Currently the second in the weekly karaoke at the third rail.
MacCready
Knows every scout knot possible from growing up in Little Lamplight. Occasionally makes hanging nets or bags when he needs them. He made Duncan a beautiful hammock.
Hates sleeping alone. Not that he wants to sleep in barracks. He hated sharing a room in the Gunners, afterall. He means he wants to sleep in the same room at the people he trusts. Sleeping in a room and waking alone is a harsh reminder he's alone. That Lucy is gone and Duncan is miles and miles away. That he is alone and it is very much his own fault even if everyone tells him otherwise.
Nick Valentine
Has a collection of old detective movie holotapes he occasionally plays to himself. He will watch them manually with Ellie too, but he always keeps one handy to watch in his head whilst getting his wires or joints sorted.
He occasionally dad monologues at Ellie over her posture or chair. He isn't human but he damn well remembers the aches that a bad chair can give you.
Piper
She is ridiculously good at scrabble. Going against her is like trying to out flex a super mutant.
She keeps a picture of her Dad and Nat in her little cap tucked into the lining. It helps her remember what she is fighting for on the tougher days.
Preston Garvey
He knows how to service wheel chairs and some prosthetics. He's not the best but he knows what is right and what is dangerous.
Runs cold. He wraps up like that for a reason.
Strong
He is rather fascinated by the idea of baths. He remembers the verse of Lady MacBeth trying in vain to wash the spot from her hands and can be seen looking to his own hands whenever he's near water. He'll let you know when he sees a spot.
Prefers mirelurk to human meat. Not for the taste. More for the enrichment of mmmm crab leg.
X6-88
He is severely competitive. Never with a human. But with the other coursers he holds himself to the highest standard. If they have outdone him then he takes it personally and will not stop even if he levels the playing field.
Father finds him unnerving. X6-88 finds father at best irrational but never states such openly.
Fo4 companions with a sole who’s always bringing them back trinkets from their travels? Like even if they aren’t traveling with them, every time they see them they’re handing them a bag of goodies? Stuff like bringing any jet they find to Hancock, bringing deacon cool clothes for costumes, bringing curie any old science equipment, etc?
Hello! Thank you for this ask- apologies it has taken so long. I've kept this poor ask in the abyss for a month- ahh!
Go. Be free my child. Run free little ask.
The Companions React To: A Sole Who Always Brings Them Gifts
Cait
Cait is rarely one to be outwardly sappy. Especially about material items. Growing up as she did with parents like hers often leaves her with a bitter feeling when given gifts. Most things Sole gives her in the early days are returned or thrown away.
Yet as with most things with Cait: she is growing. If Sole gives her plenty of time and patience, makes it clear the gifts do not have to be accepted and there are no strings attached, then Cait will slowly come around.
Cait will start to collect the trinkets and use them to decorate her space. Furthermore she will try to retrieve the gifts she had previously scorned.
Codsworth
There is little in this world codsworth wants more than to be of service and to have Sole safe. As is such his concern before accepting any gift is to ensure Sole is well.
Codsworth will decline most gifts. Think the "Oh you really shouldn't have..." routine. The exception is parts or upgrades. Or hats. He loves hats.
Curie
Curie is easy to spoil. Her eyes go wide and she covers her mouth every time. She is thrilled with every resource or book Sole brings her and will pour over every single trinket repeatedly and tell Sole excitedly what she's learnt from it.
It's easy to condition her too. She will get used to Sole bringing trinkets and whenever she sees them coming home she will rush over to offer to help carry things for them.
Danse
Pre Blind betrayal
Unfortunately the Paladin cannot accept gifts from his subordinates. He will refuse in almost every instance bar the notable exception of Fancy Lad Cakes where he will take one (1) and thank Sole before moving to the next assignment.
Post Blind Betrayal
In the early days it's a struggle to even convince Danse to eat, let alone accept gifts, so anything offered he will refuse and become upset if Sole insists. It distresses him greatly to be given gifts and things that seem rewards when he is in so much agony over who he is.
With time he will be less averse to the idea although still visibly uncomfortable. It can't be phrased as gifts for a long time and needs to be things he can pass off as necessities rather than the fact people see him as a man deserving of gifts. Things that make him feel a fraud.
After a few years he will calm more or less. He still has terrible days but he will accept most gifts and still has the same amazed flustered expression every time even if Sole has given him thousands of gifts by now. Things never get old for the Paladin.
Deacon
Deacon is curious. He will never reject a gift, not outright, but for a long time anything Sole gives him will reappear on their desk as if they never gave it to him.
But once he asks Sole are closer? He will actually acknowledge the gifts. He's never seen holding or using them but don't mistake that for a lack of gratitude. He keeps almost all of them hidden away in his room and will take care of them.
Dogmeat
Oh hell yeah treats.
Hancock
Hancock loves it and shows his appreciation with a hug or kiss on the cheek. Very European for some reason. Or just a thank you if Sole prefers.
He will take the chems they hand him and will often keep them separate to the rest of his stash. He makes good use of them and will start gifting Sole things in return. If not chems then a nice back for Sole to carry their trinkets.
MacCready
MacCready's eyes cannot lie. Even early on in knowing him the man will visibly light up if gifted a comic book or memorabilia. He takes good care of everything given to him even if he's short on space and will ask Sole to help him find a way to protect the trinkets. A folder of sorts.
Nick Valentine
Sole's gifts remind him of pre war memories. Colleagues back from holiday bringing sweets for the office or secret santa. He can't decide if it makes him more nostalgic or wary.
But the gifts themselves? He will do a bit of the "Oh you shouldn't have..." dance but he always will accept them if Sole insists. Expect to see his desk at the agency decorated in the trinkets.
Piper
Piper loves it. At first she was skeptical but she can read Blue easily enough to know when she can trust them.
That said? Most of the trinkets they give her she will very rarely keep for herself. They almost always go to Nat for her to play with or tinker with. Piper wants Nat to have the world.
Preston Garvey
Preston doesn't do the "Oh you shouldn't have..." dance. He does the "Oh you shouldn't have..." brawl. He's the final boss of "Oh you shouldn't have..."
If Sole does manage to convince him to accept the trinkets? He doesn't know what to do with them for a long time. He will hold it and look at it and put it in different places around his room before he ever settles.
He is very grateful though. Sole can give him a gift and he will still be occasionally thanking them for it months later.
Strong
I'm really sorry but I'm fairly certain he's eating it. He can taste the kindness.
X6-88
He remains a hater for the most part. Any gift or trinket will immediately be shut down in most cases with a reminder to Sole he is a Synth has therefore has no use for such things.
If Sole manages to crack his exterior a decent chunk: he will accept trinkets and store them in his chest. Although he can probably only accept three small ones before he's out of space. Make them count.
How would the companions react to a Sole whos sensitive to the cold? Especially if they slip back into the memory of being cryofrozen?
Thank you for the ask!
References to Emergent Behaviour below the cut.
Content warning for allusions to panic attacks/flashbacks.
Companions react: Sole who is distressed by the memories the cold brings.
Cait
Initially Cait thought Sole was playing it up, but after learning what Sole has been through? She is a bit sweeter to them about it.
Sole can expect to be called a bloody moron if Cait sees them walking about without their coat, and Cait will throw a coat to Sole in substitute. May not be a nice smelling coat considering she probably just scavenged it, but a coat is a coat.
Codsworth
Codsworth can measure temperature at a glance, so he's probably rather on the ball with Sole. He will hover nearby and on account of being combustion propelled: he runs warm.
Despite usually not a fan of being used as a hand warmer; he will encourage Sole to hold onto him and talk to him.
Curie
Curie is made for observation, and once she knows Sole's sensitivity to the cold: she's on the ball with it. She will pack warm clothes for Sole and will make hot snap packs for Sole to help warm them.
She can only imagine the memory Sole has to deal with, and human emotions are still new to her so expect a very awkward but determined pair of hands to hold Sole's as she tells them about all the things she can see, and asks Sole what they can feel.
Danse
Danse is no stranger to soldiers struggling with memories of bad experiences, but he expects Sole to let him know of things like this prior to field missions.
If it comes up whilst on the field, Danse is straight to trying to ground Sole. He will kneel by them and wrap Sole up with what he can. He will talk them through it where he can, stating firmly where they are and demanding Sole repeat it back to him. He is rather good at grounding Sole in the end, but still expect a lecture afterwards.
Once he knows about Sole's condition he is always on their case pre-mission. He will have their power armour fitted with a warm lining and when they are heading out without it he is stern asking what they have done to prepare.
Deacon
Everyone has their fears, their things that push them back. But the cold is a big one to have in the commonwealth. It's not exactly warm year round.
When it first happens, Deacon can't do much to comfort Sole other than to keep them moving until they are safe. He wants an explanation but knows he's not on any standing to demand one. He opts to put together what he can and try to help from there.
When they are back at HQ, he will put in a word with Tinker for a warmer jacket for Sole. Something with a thick lining and a neck covering to stop any chills. When Deacon gives it to Sole he claims he is just early for their birthday and plays it off as if it is nothing. He rathers Sole doesn't feel indebted.
Dogmeat
Dogmeat doesn't understand much of Sole's story, but he can smell their fear. With a whine and a headbut to their thigh he will try and coax them to sit down and will lay across their lap, demanding to be pet. A warm, loving dog to help warm Sole and lick their tears away.
Hancock
Hancock doesn't need to know Sole's story to offer help. He knows when someone just needs an arm over their shoulders and warm company.
He will regale Sole with stories of things he's gotten into and funny stories he's heard from The Third Rail, and promises when they get back to Goodneighbour that he will order them a hot meal from the Rexford.
Hancock won't chase Sole on bringing warm clothes, or chide them when they are caught without a jacket. He will just offer them his and make them promise to get it back to him without it being destroyed.
Maccready
Maccready feels the cold more than most, and is used to wrapping up himself, so at first he thinks that's all Sole is going through regular shivers and will tease asking that out of all the junk they pick up that they've never picked up a coat?
When he does realise what is actually afoot, he's alarmed but does his best to take care of Sole. A lot of hushed muttering and trying to talk them through it, he will snip slightly at them to get somewhere warm with him as soon as he can find somewhere, then he's asking if Sole is forgetting something every time they head out without a jacket.
It becomes apparent this man is a father he will tap his foot and give the dad squint.
Nick Valentine
Nick can't feel temperatures, so at first he thinks Sole is just having a bad moment and it'll take him one or two occurrences to figure out that is the cold that causes Sole this distress.
He will loan them his jacket and murmur softly that they're safe (well... as safe as you can be in the commonwealth) and he's got them. That it's going to be okay and why don't they head back to the agency together for a hot drink? Ellie does a good coffee.
Piper
Piper is on the ball, and she also runs a bit cold herself. It was probably when she turned to remark to Blue about the cold that she saw them frozen in more than one way. But if anyone is good at talking people through things: it'll be Piper
She will grab Sole's hand and lead them somewhere warm at a brisk pace. Perhaps to The Dugout Inn and she will sit Sole by one of the heaters and tell them in no uncertain terms they are to sit, warm up, and tell her what drink they want.
Preston
Preston has been all over the commonwealth. He's seen all its weather. And there is a reason he wraps up. So when the general seems to slow down in colder weather: he is probably the fastest to know why.
Preston wears no shortage of layers, and it is rather literal when he is described as a man who would take the shirt off his own back to give to someone in need, so he doesn't hesitate to put his coat about Sole and tells them to keep it on as long as they need.
He's not the best at talking through emotions but he is very good at listening. He will stay by Sole as long as they need him to. And then a bit longer.
X6-88
X6-88 has already been briefed on Sole's past. He knows exactly what happened. Although it is a bit odd to him that it still affects them so deeply. Sole has survived what no one else in that vault did, so allowing it to linger in their mind makes little sense to him.
He will make a note to have some synths always pack Sole's bag to include warmer clothes and set the temperature in Sole's room at the institute to be on the warmer side.
Hello! I was wondering if you have any headcanons regarding the faction leaders? I know Preston is included in your "daily" headcanon thingies but I was wondering if you have any for the others! :) Feel free to replace Preston with any other minuteman or general minutemen headcanons (Unless you wanna write more for Preston lol) Thank you and take care of yourself!!
Oh! Thank you!
I could never replace Preston. If I let him off the hook he immediately runs free to alert you that there is a settlement that needs your help. Locking your doors won't save you.
Shout out to the four of you perverts that descended on this damn post like hawks when I posted it accidentally and circled whilst I finished it. You are insane. I love you.
Faction Leader Headcanons.
Arthur Maxson
Arthur learnt how to shave from watching Danse a few years ago. Owen had passed on before he could ever teach Arthur, and all the other knights heralded Arthur as more a symbol than as a teen, but Danse? Danse just let him be.
Arthur isn't the most chiselled on the Prydwen. Not by a long shot. He's got a bit of insulation on him that means he lacks the cheese grater nature that some in the Brotherhood have.
He tends to shower at the same time every few days in the communal shower. Part an exercise to demonstrate he stands alongside his people, part its the only way he can technically even consider unwinding around others without having to bark orders.
Arthur is prone to mood swings. Not the kind where one gets energetic, but the kind where a switch flips. He's cold and seething and won't listen to reason. He's in a state where his goal is nothing but the Brotherhood's mission and survival.
It's part of the reason he's so irrational in attacking Sole and demanding to know why they supposedly hid Danse being a Synth from him. Even though (1) If Sole did know and was hiding Danse's nature then they wouldn't have handed over the Holotape and (2) Danse is listed as an escaped Synth, not a spy, and we know the Holotape lists spy synths because there are multiple terminals in the Institute listing them. But when Maxson is seething there is next to no reasoning with him.
It's also the reason that the only thing that forces him to spare Danse is Sole, his one way into the Institute and his one way to prove himself as an Elder, threatening to pull out. It doesn't calm him. He's still furious. But it twists his arm and he keeps his word.
It's the tragedy of raising a boy as an ideal and means to an end instead of a person. A man raised to be a machine to serve the Brotherhood. Funny, isn't it?
Desdemona
I may be completely in the dark here but part of me mulls the idea of her and Deacon being siblings. At the very least they have that exhausted elder sister and little shit brother dynamic on occasion.
Desdemona likely isn't her true name. Desdemona as a name is interesting as it seems to mean "unlucky", "unfortunate", "wretched". Whilst I doubt everyone is brushed up on Greek etymology: why on earth would she choose that name? Did she know what it means?
She and Carrington are old friends. Some days their arguments are entirely silent because each knows exactly what the other is going to say and it continues like that until one of them breaks the silence.
Conversely to Desdemona: Carrington either uses his true name or was dramatic enough to come up with a first name middle name last name pseudonym.
Father
Due to being raised in the most sterile environment possible to prevent any risk of him dying to sickness: Father now has nothing short of about thirty allergies.
Is this far less tragic than the previous two? Yes. But I don't like Father and I think he should have a dust allergy. And a strawberry allergy. No jam for you.
On a more serious note: the way he was raised was equally, if not more, sterile in the emotional sense. Affection or conversation were measured and professional. Empathy and care was stripped from him and he never had clear parental figures. As a result any affection comes to feel inherently unclean to him. The weeping of synths or the excited chattering of staff feels foreign and he cares only for his duty.
He is a very cold man. He is happy as he is but he was not lying when he said he was ambivalent to Sole's survival. They are nothing but an experiment that he doesn't expect to see the result of.
Porter Gage
Has anyone else seen how damn thick his neck is. I know I and Sinclair have but like- look at him. Look at his neck. He is built well. He is build like CERN. Good on him.
He's not actually completely blind in his bad eye. He just really needs glasses and looking with his bad eye can put him in a lot of pain.
I must confess I haven't actually played much of Nuka World. If you want more Gage i recommend going to @begin-again-tonight who is a big Porter Gage Scholar.
Preston Garvey
Preston memorised a lot of the core rules of the minutemen. Even when the castle fell and most of the material was lost: Preston remembered it. He would cite and repeat the rules to himself when pacing to ground himself.
That being said: when given the chance to restore the rules to the page he changes some of them. Some things are best left in the past. Some things need to change for the future.
Preston is very good at organising people. His first port of call was repairing the castle and setting up better beds. The small comforts that make life better. Hes one of those people that can help you fix every problem in your life but then stare gormless at his own.
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.
How would the Fo4 companions react to Sole falling asleep on them?
My first ask, thank you so much! I'll stick with the most of the cannon ones and Gage as I know them best. If you want others: let me know.
References to max affinity for some companions and Benign intervention, Emergent Behaviour, and Blind Betrayal under the cut.
Companions react: Sole falling asleep on them.
Cait
Pre-Benign Intervention
She doesn't seem a fan, and would rather get going than stand around here waiting for trouble. That and it's cold. She's restless and she'd rather they just keep going and offers some jet to sole if they are really that tired.
Cait will shift Sole off them before long, she is no fan of the prolonged contact and as far as she is concerned: if they are on a break, she's off to do her own thing. When Sole wakes she will be nearby rifling through a bag or scrounging for something.
Post-Benign Intervention
Cait can only chuckle under her breath. She is free, but tired and can understand Sole's exhaustion. If they are somewhere safe enough, she may join them in resting her head on theirs and nodding off. She complains when Sole wakes her.
If they aren't somewhere she feels safe, she will once again gently shift Sole off of her. Cait knows she will fall asleep too if she stays close to Sole, so she will make herself busy with the exercises Curie has given her, or updating her sobriety journal that Piper made for her.
Codsworth
Codsworth knows Sole well, perhaps better than most of the companions, and he knows the toll Sole's journey has had on them.
He's surprised you've found a way to make a pillow of him, and if he isn't concerned for Sole's gear catching alight from his flames: he will let them rest.
Codsworth is no Ms. Nanny but he does have enough features to check on how Sole sleeps, he remembers doing the same for Young Master Shaun. So he will watch, he will count breaths and Sole's pulse, and when Sole awakes he will inform them in a chipper tone they slept five hours with three hours of deep sleep and did not need to be burped even once. They have beaten Young Master Shaun's record.
Curie
Pre Emergent Behaviour
All humans need to rest. As a Ms. Nanny, she knows this. She knows that at least eight hours is needed, and ideally more for people going through strenuous times. She knows Sole isn't getting eight hours.
Curie is surprised to be made a pillow, and goes to correct Sole in their mistake only to see they are already asleep. She doesn't complain, but she does observe. Pulse, breath, position, eye movement. Nothing escapes her.
Deep sleep fascinates her most. She wants to see Sole dream, and she wants to know what they dreamt of. How the dream felt. How long the dream lasted.
Sole should expect an interview when they awake. And to have had any minor scrape bandaged.
Post Emergent Behaviour
All humans need to rest. As a synth, she now does too. It's all rather exciting to her, and she has to stop herself from waking Sole to ask how it all will work.
Curie will attempt to join Sole, and tries very hard to go to sleep. Very hard. Too hard. She doesn't succeed.
She will sit there awake for a long while, counting many sheep and not getting very far before she decides to give up. Instead, she once again opts to watch over Sole. She will count their breaths and watch them shift, and whilst she does find it very interesting: that's what puts her to sleep.
She dreams of Clyde perhaps. Or her old colleagues. She will not be the first to wake out of her and Sole.
Danse
Pre-Blind Betrayal
All soldiers need rest, but they need to do it not on mission.
He is more concerned than anything, and will stop Rhys from waking Sole until Haylen is there to check on Sole.
Ever the hypocrite, expect a lecture. He does care for all under his command, and that includes Sole. If it happens again he will be sending them to Cade.
Post-Blind Betrayal
He's still a hypocrite. But he understands a bit more. Out of his power armour he is fairly comfortable to rest on, and he does his best to keep Sole comfortable as they sleep even if it causes him a sore neck. He allows them to rest as long as he thinks it is safe, but if he hears any vertibirds or anything suspicious: Sole will get a sharp awakening like they are back on the prydwen and he is still their commanding officer waking them for drill.
If it is safe: he will rest and watch Sole. He finds comfort in purpose and duty, so he will not wake them until they wake themselves.
Deacon
Pre max affinity
He won't humour it, he can understand exhaustion, but he's not the hugging sort he claims. He will shake sole awake, offering them some water and waiting for them to find their bearings.
Deacon will remark that the scheduled Railroad sleepover is tomorrow in Carrington's office, not here and now in Lexington. And even if it is: Sole really has to work on their pajama game because otherwise they are going to lose to Dez.
Expect to occasionally be teased about it afterwards, and Sole will earn a nickname of Sleepy. Look what you've done, Sole. He's now going around nicknaming people in HQ after the seven dwarfs. And guess who is crowned as Grumpy.
Post max affinity
He's still not likely to humour it. Letting your guard down is never an option. Especially when it comes to his best friend.
Deacon is softer in waking Sole, opting to call out to them quietly or to blow softly on their face. He seems more concerned than anything, and asks if Sole would rather he gets Glory to cover for them whilst they get some rest. He's probably got some spare canned coffee that he lives off to offer, and he will do so readily for the low low price of a favour later on.
He remarks that Sole would still lose to Dez in the pajama competition.
Dogmeat
Thrilled. Dogmeat thinks this is a cuddle and he will rest with Sole as long as he is patient to. He can tell they are tired, they travel a lot and play little. So they can rest on him as long as they want. Or until he starts licking their face.
Hancock
Tired, huh? Hancock is no stranger to it. Nor is he surprised that Sole is exhausted. He doesn't need to sleep nearly as much as they do, but he wouldn't be amiss to think Sole is running on something other than sleep with how little they have compared to how much work they do.
Hancock runs warm enough that he is quite comfortable to rest on, and he can't sleep alone so he's not averse to Sole sleeping on him. He's likely got a little black book to write reminders and favours down in, even if it isn't necessary with his memory still being as sharp as it is.
He will consult the sleeping Sole on the occasional thing, chuckling at whatever answer he garners. He is just glad to see they are resting, and when they wake he will put an arm over their shoulders to stop them startling. Just take it easy, okay?
Maccready
Maccready is no stranger to sleeping in a pile. Little Lamplight often meant some kids were too scared to sleep alone, or some just felt warmer huddled together
As long as he can still move, he is fairly unbothered. He keeps his gun handy and flicks through comics he's found on his journey with sole or writes another letter for Duncan recounting what he's been up to. The not scary parts that is.
That being said, he's old. He's so very old. Ancient even. Twenty two. And if he stays in one position too long he will complain he's stiff for the next three hours. So he will wriggle and readjust every twenty minutes or so, apologising to Sole when he does.
Nick Valentine
Being a prototype synth, Nick doesn't need to sleep. But that doesn't mean he doesn't need maintenance
He will grumble or bemuse that he doesn't think the institute made him with being a pillow in mind, but he's not that upset.
He will put his coat over Sole to keep them warm. If they are in the agency he asks Ellie to help him set Sole up on the couch so he can get back to his desk. He doesn't want to smoke over the kid.
Nick is concerned for Sole, and will grill them lightly on when they last slept when they are back up again. Detective work needs a sharp mind, and a sharp mind needs rest.
He will keep a tab on Sole's sleeping habits for a bit afterwards. He worries for Sole. Poor kid.
Piper
Whilst an unexpected break, Piper welcomes it. She always is scrawling and jotting down notes on her travels with Sole, so a chance to organise them is always jumped upon. Although she will find herself struggling to parse some of her hurried handwriting and mutters to herself out loud as she tries to remember what one particular scrawl says.
If Sole rouses she will snicker that whatever noise they just made isn't the word she wrote either.
She occasionally tries to scribble little portraits, and when Sole is slumped on her: it is almost a perfect opportunity. She glances out the corner of her eye at the pre-war artefact and then at her notebook. The drawing may not be perfect, but she reckons that it is recognisable enough as Sole. Eye bags included.
Porter Gage
Running Nukaworld is no easy feat. Even less so is the feat of managing all the raiders to behave; so Gage can only sympathise that they are exhausted. But he can't be their pillow. It can't be that both he and the overboss are out of commission.
Yet he can't exactly wake the overboss, so he will stay at their side. He's watches the entrance of the Fizztop grill with a wary eye, and won't be too gentle waking the overboss if anyone is coming, but he's not exactly in a rush to wake them either.
One short break. Once the overboss is awake he will get up and he will move as if this never happened.
X6-88
Irked. He saw sole as weak when they first tiptoed into the SRB, and even though they've made progress he isn't amused by the idea of the future director falling asleep on the job. He makes a note of this to bring to Dean Volkert.
If they are in the institute, he's less annoyed and will wait patiently for Sole wake up. Bureaucracy, especially the bureaucracy of the Institute, would exhaust anyone.
X6-88 is a courser, and doesn't care to act as a servant synth, but he remembers exactly how Sole orders their coffee and will send one of the synths nearby to fetch a coffee under those exact specifications.
