Note: Oh, look, a Christmas fic. Real original, author.
The truth is, I just got into this game (late, I know) and then felt the urge to write something about it, and here it is, my first work for this fandom, and most likely the last. It was written on a whim, full of my personal interpretations, and definitely cheesy, but at least I wrote something, I guess, heh.
Will look over it and fix anything wrong in the next few days.
First Christmas in 200 or so years, spent in the Great Green Jewel of the Commonwealth.
No Nora, no Shaun—not the old one, at least.
Just a bunch of children and the Silver Shroud.
The gift-giving might be the brainchild of Mr. Zwicky, but the whole costume deal was all Piper's. She said the kids could use a bit of happiness, and what better way to cheer up the entire place than the Shroud, or at least someone pretending to be one? He had done much service for Goodneighbor, so why not Diamond City?
Nate didn't think that was a good idea, if only because he wasn't too keen on donning the costume again and doing all those theatrics in front of children. Not even when he was a massive fan of the vigilante, and not even if Kent, who had expanded his broadcast range and raised a new generation of Silver Shroud devotees, thought otherwise ("A superhero is not always about crimefighting, you know").
But then Piper brought up one undeniable fact, and he had no choice but to cave in.
"Blue, I don't want to hear you asking if this is a 'good idea' when you thought it was common sense to go to Nuka-World and open fire on those raiders all by yourself."
"How'd you know about that?" His face burned.
No use hiding things from Piper, he remembered now. Maybe it'll only be a matter of time before she learns he wasn't strictly alone at Nuka-World—if Nick could see the Mysterious Stranger, who's to say she wouldn't be able to?
"Hey, I'm a reporter. No truth stays hidden for long. And well, news travels fast anyway. Everyone heard about it. And just so you know, you doing that worried me sick, by the way. Consider this a payment for the apology you owe me. Or you can dress up as Grognak and flex those muscles for me in private. Up to you."
The latter wasn't such a bad idea...
Wait. What was he thinking? What was she thinking?
"That's... a very, uh, interesting choice, but tell you what, I'll just go ahead and do this instead."
She beamed. "So I'll see you there."
"And, Piper?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry I did that to you. It's just I... had to."
The smile. He didn't expect to see it.
"It's okay, Blue. I understand."
And that was how Nate ended up standing next to the Power Noodles stall with Shaun, wearing the Silver Shroud coat. The kid had not stopped staring at the getup.
Perhaps if there was no war, he mused, and the old Shaun could grow up normally, he would come to love the Silver Shroud, too, just like his parents did.
He shook his head at the thought. There was no point thinking about it now.
He had to keep moving forward.
The Silver Shroud costume was just another step.
"Dad, you're the coolest!"
A laugh. "Thank you, son."
It was getting easier to say as time went on.
Son.
No matter what and no matter who, the boy would always be his son.
The man's eyes scanned the crowd, who were cheering and singing along with Travis's broadcast. Then he spotted Piper coming with Nat, and frankly, he didn't expect her to wear that, of all things.
"...Piper, that's...a new look."
And he couldn't look away. No, he didn't want to look away.
Gone were the usual red trench coat and press cap. In their place was the Santa dress they took from that crackpot mall Santa-turned-ghoul at Fallon's.
She insisted he did.
And he was glad she did, now. She looked...different. A good kind of different, not the late Doc Crocker's brand of different.
For a moment, he thought he'd seen Nora again. She had done this before.
Just once in their brief time together, yet that was one of the best memories he ever had.
"Dad, you're staring."
The boy's words snapped him out of his reverie, and his face turned the same color as her costume.
Piper smirked. "Cat got your tongue, Blue? Never seen a lady dressed in red before?"
"Well, Irma and Magnolia, but that's a different case. Uh, anyway, you look—"
"Ridiculous?"
"No! I mean, it suits you, Piper."
"Why, Blue, did you just give me a compliment?"
"It's true."
The reporter blushed and hid her face behind her scarf. "Anyway, I was just joking. Let's go meet Santa!"
Nate had no choice but to follow her to the All Faiths Chapel, where the city's children had gathered.
The identity of the other Santa, which proved no less mindboggling, was Nick. Ellie seemed to have a hard time trying not to laugh so openly, but the synth's expression was hard to read, as usual.
"Looking good, Nicky."
"You too, Piper. And the Silver Shroud. Brings back memories."
"...Well, you were there when I tracked the broadcast and the whole thing with Sinjin, Nick. And I know you hated the guy, but just this once, for the children, I guess?"
"Ah, right. The kids. Hey, come here; I don't bite, you know. Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas."
The dry laugh was the most unconvincing Nate had ever heard. So much for being Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.
But it did it for Ellie, sending her into a rare, almost hysterical fit. The children followed with a chorus of giggles, and even Nick seemed to smile.
"Wow, the Silver Shroud is here, too!"
"That's so cool!"
It was, putting it simply, overwhelming to be swarmed by the children, Shaun included. But seeing their smiles—and eventually, Piper's—Nate found it in him to let loose and ham it up once more.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas, young citizens of Diamond City! This is I, indeed, the Silver Shroud, bearing magnificent gifts for all the good children!"
There was more cheering, louder this time, and Piper's clapping was barely audible.
"Now that's more like it, Bl—I mean, Silver Shroud. Alright, kiddos, get in line and get your presents!"
One by one, the children came up to meet the Santas and the superhero, bringing all the Captain Cosmos and Jangles the Moon Monkey and all the toys they could get, plus more Nuka Cola than they could drink. It was a dream come true for everyone.
It was easier, admittedly, without Mayor McDonough, or more accurately, the synth replacement, to make a fuss. Pastor Clements had been nothing but accommodating, saying he hadn't felt such a joyous mood since Miss Edna and Mr. Zwicky got married. Today, the chapel was no place of quiet vigil but a celebration.
But most of all, Nate was happy to see the boy, Shaun, grinning ear to ear, laughing along with everyone, and especially with Nat, whom he considered a sister.
"Dad, can Nat join us for Christmas dinner?"
The man nodded. "Of course. Anything for my son."
Codsworth definitely wouldn't mind. He'd been working on Christmas dinner since early that morning, after all. Had he forgotten to remind him, Codsworth would've cooked enough to feed an entire settlement.
And he wouldn't mind, but only if all the friends he had made along the way would be there, too. That rag-tag, dysfunctional, sometimes-hating-each-other's-guts-but-since-Nate-doesn't-that's-fine lot.
But given their wildly disparate lifestyle that ranges from kinda mundane to downright insane, he had come to accept that such a thing would be as likely as a super mutant becoming the mayor of Diamond City. And if they actually do, it'd probably end up in a riot anyway.
He could already count on MacCready being absent. The moment he said he was heading back to his son in the Capital Wasteland was the most regretful Nate had ever seen the merc be, though he was quick to put up a tough front again. But Nate couldn't fault him. After all, they should be spending some time now that the boy was cured. He did promise to return, though.
Deacon, ever the elusive trickster, was still in the wind, still on the Railroad's endless crusade, and God knows where he could be. Or maybe he was there, in one of his disguises. Who knew?
Meanwhile, Hancock had let him know before that there was a fresh bunch of riff-raffs in Goodneighbor that he needed to put in place, but Nate suspected that he simply didn't want to step into Diamond City ever again. The prejudice his brother—whether fake or real, none could tell—had promoted would take time to disappear, if at all. And in any case, he was content with his city anyway.
Danse was out there, wandering the wastes after his exile, still clinging to his Brotherhood mindset but gradually letting it go. Nate'd hoped he could be there, but he was just like his former brethren—never in a celebratory mood, not ever. Perhaps he could seek him out after this and give him a helping hand. Or just a simple gift, like a big-ass, brand-new Gatling laser.
Cait did come to the city, albeit hesitantly, and the last time he saw her, she was already on a binge at the Dugout Inn, much to the pleasure of Vadim. He figured that chugging booze was preferable to Cait ever dosing herself with Psycho again, but still, he hoped she would know restraint enough so she could join up for dinner.
Preston was regretfully busy with the flourishing settlements, but he had assured him before that the Minutemen could make do without their General for a day. And with tough-as-nails Ronnie Shaw there, they were in good hands.
As for Strong, well, they all agreed that he'd best left on his own, but Nate made a note to drop by the Trinity Tower later and check on him.
That left Curie as the only other guest. He chuckled as he remembered her gushing about how wonderful this Christmas celebration would be, how it would be an excellent opportunity to study human interaction and the socialization of the children, and so forth.
That said, she was nowhere to be found, having likely become distracted by the lights and decorations strung up around the city. Or just the city in general. The first time she came there, they were in a hurry after all.
And then, of course, there was Piper.
Perhaps synth McDonough's outing himself had helped in vindicating her cause, but he believed what truly redeemed her in the eyes of the people was her hand in ending the Institute, the boogeyman of the Commonwealth.
Not everyone was still friendly, though, but that didn't seem to bother her. At least things were less lonely for her now. According to her, anyway.
"Oh hey, Piper. Lookin' great!"
"Well, what do you know, Piper—you were right after all."
"Oy, Piper, when will the next issue come out?"
"Hi, Piper. Thanks for getting rid of the Institute! Maybe I owe you a drink."
People were beginning to see her for who she really was—someone with their best interests at heart, even if she had to be brutally honest about it.
Someone, Nate mused, a woman like Nora. That was the reason she took up law school—to help people, especially those who could not defend themselves.
He'd never realized it until now, but the more he'd known Piper, the more he could see her.
It was as if Nora was still alive, in a way.
And maybe, he thought, it was okay for him to let her go.
Nora would've wanted him to.
The crowd eventually died down, and all the children left grinning, save for Shaun, his new toy clutched against his chest.
"Wow, Dad, thank you for everything. This is the best day ever!"
Nate beamed through his stung eyes. He'd never imagined the boy could be this happy. "Anything for you, Shaun. I...I've left you alone for too long, haven't I?"
Shaun shook his head. "No, it's fine, dad. You're a Minuteman. You're just trying to make this place better, aren't you? It's your job."
The feeling within, the pang in his chest, was unbearable. Had he known the real reason, would Shaun have said otherwise?
It wasn't only the job that led him to leave the boy with Sturges for the longest time. He was a coward, and he had to admit it.
Because it was too painful, too much for him to take.
But Shaun could learn about all this in another day. Not now, not today.
Today's a day to celebrate.
With all the people important to him.
"Yeah...but hey, son, today's Christmas. You'll have me for the whole day, I promise."
"Then...can we walk around the city before dinner? With Piper and Nat?"
The way he beamed was seemingly brighter than everything else he'd ever seen. How could he refuse? And besides, there were a couple of hours left before dinner anyway.
"Well..." he turned to Piper and Nat. "If the two of you don't mind."
Piper shrugged. "What, you're asking me now? Sure, why not?"
Nat grinned. "Yes! Come on, Shaun, let's go!"
Somehow, Piper was okay walking around still in that getup—but then again, he was still wearing that coat, wasn't he?
The walk was a leisurely affair. They'd stopped at the various stalls, the children oohing and ahhing at the wares and trinkets.
Polly was overwhelmed by buyers looking for Christmas dinner cuts, Moe was trying to get people into buying his special edition swatters, which were just bats painted red and green with baubles and Christmas lights wrapped around them, and Arturo, just for the day, was offering fireworks at a discounted price. Myrna, despite being paranoid and surly as ever, was smiling a little as kids lined up for sweets she'd gotten from Bunker Hill, and adults wanted the decorations she dug out from last year's stash; John was giving a last-minute haircut to Ann Codman, and Nate also overheard Doctor Sun muttering about having to deal with hangover complaints tomorrow while Solomon promoted the idea of getting even more high than usual for the occasion to balance it out.
Back then, this place, then known as Fenway Park, would've been quiet, except when the Red Sox was hosting holiday events.
Now, this place has its own life, a vibrant, albeit still rather dysfunctional, life. Despite its shortcomings, many called it home.
Maybe he could see it as one, too, just like Sanctuary and the Castle. He had already bought a house there, after all.
"Dad, can I get those?"
Shaun, of course, wasn't talking about another toy. If there's anything he loved more than any toy, it's tinkering with old things—Piper was eternally grateful for the repair the boy did to her printing press. Nate wasn't surprised to see him pointing at that box of scraps and tools.
"Sure, Shaun. What are you going to do with them?"
"Well, I'm thinking maybe I could build you something useful again. Maybe one day I could even make a power armor for you, just like what Mister Danse had."
Nate had to chuckle. He had quite a collection of power armor, courtesy of his adventures across the Commonwealth. But the fact that Shaun wanted to make him one...
It made him feel warm. It didn't matter whether he could actually pull it (he wasn't about to discount the possibility, considering Shaun had created a working laser rifle from junk before); the fact that the boy wanted to meant a lot.
"Thank you, Shaun. That's very kind of you."
"No fair, make me something too," Nat whined.
"What do you have in mind, Nat?" Shaun was no less excited.
"Dunno, something exciting. Maybe something that could help me sell the papers."
"You mean, like a robot?"
"Yeah! A robot like Codsworth, but bigger."
The two continued to plan out the details. They seemed so engrossed in their own world that Nate felt left out.
He looked at Piper, who was laughing, but the sound was soon drowned out by the crowd.
"Kids," she said. "They sure are something."
"Kids, kids never change," he let out a sigh. Wistful but happy. "Even after 200 years. I'm glad that's not changed."
The kids were laughing, oblivious, carefree. They were like brother and sister, he realized.
And that was just like him and his companions, wasn't it?
Cait and Curie are the sisters he never had. Hancock, the naughty older brother, the worst and best influence ever (and Shaun's weird uncle. That's saying something); Deacon, the prankster, the joker (also Shaun's weird uncle no. 2); Danse, the uptight one, the straight man, the stick-in-the-mud. MacCready is the bratty younger brother, while Preston is his complete opposite, ever upstanding. As for Strong...he wasn't sure, but the mutant called him a brother, too. Nick is almost a father figure—gruff but looks out for you.
And Piper...
He couldn't see her that way.
And yet...
"Don't go spacing out now, Blue. You'll be dead meat in the wasteland if you do that too much. A dead meat paste, even," Piper admonished, though judging from her tone, she was only half-joking.
"Sorry, just thinking about things."
"Well, you should try not to do that too often. It'll only get you killed out there. Not the thinking, I mean. The zoning out. And...well...I don't want you to die, alright? I mean, I would always watch your back, but sometimes...I may not be there, you know. So...uh...be careful out there."
Always sincere, aren't you? He couldn't help but smile.
"I'm not planning on dying anytime soon, Piper, so I will. And...thanks for reminding me."
"Oh, no biggie. You know, I have a lot to thank you for today, too. Let's see...helping with the gifts, for not complaining, for inviting me on this walk. And, um, I hope I'm not imposing on your family moment."
"Shaun wanted you to, Piper. Don't worry."
He wanted that too, for that matter. And if she could come for dinner later, that would be even better. Shaun would be stoked, and so would he.
"I guess...well, it's hard not to be in the Christmas spirit when you've been surrounded by these happy faces, huh? I've always known that the people here often have it bad, yet here they are, still trying to make the best out of it. That's why I keep doing what I do. To try and make it better."
Hopeful Piper was an endearing sight. Her passion, her drive, her determination—they were infectious.
"We're kinda birds of a feather, don't you think?"
"How so?"
"Because you are fighting to make the Commonwealth a better place, too? I don't know. I think our reasons are similar. We're both driven by our own convictions. And it's...not easy."
He knew she was right. In a way, they were not different, he and her. Their only difference would be in their reasons.
In his case, it was Shaun. both the one who had been the elderly leader of the Institute and the boy who was walking in front of him, in awe of everything.
The former had been raised with stories of the atrocities of the world above the Institute, which shaped and twisted him into the man he'd become. It had taken him a long time to see this, but now he could forgive him, just like he'd forgiven Kellogg.
In his memory, he'd vowed to make the wasteland a better place instead of the hell Shaun believed it to be.
For him, and for the boy he came to see as Shaun, the boy Father could've been had he wasn't brought up in a bubble.
For the Commonwealth, which had been his home once upon a time. Before the bombs fell.
And it was still his home after all this time.
It was the one he was protecting now.
As a soldier like he had been, one who always believed in fighting for freedom and the people. Just like the Minutemen, the selfless and brave men and women he was leading, and, in his heart, the ones he was following.
As a father, too, who was determined not to let history repeat for the sake of the boy and the rest of the children who deserved a good future.
He and Piper, indeed, were similar, yet different.
It was funny how things had a way of coming together, wasn't it?
"Hey, Blue, a penny for your thoughts. Hell, take the whole proverbial bank. You seem to have a lot on your mind, and you're spacing out again."
"I was just thinking...thanks again, Piper."
"Thanks? For what?"
"A lot. I could...I could name a thousand reasons, but...for now, just...for being here. That helped me a lot."
That was...sappy. When was the last time he was sappy?
Oh right. Back with Nora.
If there were a pageant of cheesiness, he would've won it, hands down.
But that was the past. He was glad either way to be reminded that he could still be...sentimental.
"Hm? We-well, I live here, Blue. What else do you expect?"
"Sorry, I seem to have forgotten that, considering we spent more time out of it than in it."
"Ahaha. That's true. Hey, we did get a lot done, though, didn't we? You should be proud of that."
"Oh, I am. More than you can ever imagine. And no, I'm serious. I'm glad you're here, as in, uh..."
"With you and the kids? Yeah, that's nice, isn't it?"
"Y-yeah, sure."
By my side, he would've said. But was that what she wanted to hear?
In any case, she'd made it easier for him, just as she had done many times before.
And he was still grateful.
Shaun and Nat beckoned for them, and they followed.
The sun had begun to set, and the city was a sight to behold, lit by hundreds of fairy lights.
The night would be spent in merrymaking.
And in good food, with family and friends.
They eventually made their way to the Home Plate after allowing Piper some time to change into her usual getup, something Nate found mildly regretful. Shaun was grinning as he carried the box of junk along with his new toy, Nat trailing behind him with a box of fireworks. Dogmeat rushed to the door just as it cracked open, barking and wagging his tail.
"Dogmeat!" the kids exclaimed as they ran towards him, their laughter ringing in the air, their presents left forgotten on the floor. Soon, their hands were tickling his ears and stomach, affections that he was all too happy to reciprocate.
"Heya, pooch. How's the home front?" Piper crouched and ruffled his fur. "Oh, sorry, were we late for dinner?"
"Oh no, you're quite early, I'd say," said Codsworth as he paused what he was doing—setting up plates and cutleries with mathematical precision—and hovered over to the newcomers. "Welcome back, sir, young master, Miss Piper, and Miss Natalie. It's lovely to see you all."
"We're not imposing, I hope."
"Oh, nonsense. It is an honor, Miss Piper. A big honor," Codsworth twirled. "You and Miss Natalie will not be the only guests, after all. I believe Mister Valentine and Miss Perkins are coming soon, as are Miss Curie and Miss Cait. "
"That's a big dinner," Piper chuckled. "Hey, is there anything we could help with?"
"Oh no, no. Guests don't do chores, Miss Piper. It's alright. Please, make yourself at home. Might you want a drink or something light to tide the wait?"
"A little Nuka cherry would be fine."
"Really, Piper, you should try Vim," Nate offered, laughing. "Maine's tradition. Goes well with mirelurk cakes."
"Oooh yeah, did somebody say mirelurk cakes?"
Everyone turned to the door, which was ajar, and saw a Diamond City security guard—or what appeared to be one— standing by the threshold, grinning and waving at them. The shades weren't fooling anyone in the house, though.
"Ah, Mister...Deacon, is it?" Codsworth was quick to add another plate to the dining table. "Come in, please. Quite a surprise to see you here, but welcome."
"Heeeey, Wanderer," Deacon greeted him with a pat on the shoulder as he entered the room. "Merry Christmas! Hey there, Shaun, hey there, Piper. And you must be Natalie."
"Um...yeah. How do you know my name?" Nat was surprised, to say the least.
"Whoa, whoa, kid, I know a lot of things," he shrugged, smirking. "Things you'll never know. Things you doooon't wanna know."
"Uh, alright, sure..." Nat looked a little unsettled, and soon, her attention was taken by Shaun, who was eager to show her something and pulled her away.
"Hey, Deacon. Thought you were busy," Nate said.
"Eh, what Dez doesn't know won't hurt her. Or me, for that matter. I just happened to be passin' by, so I thought, 'Why not'? Free dinner and all. Brought word from good ol' Hancock, too."
"Hancock?"
"Yep. Said you better be visiting soon, or he'll find you and force you to chug the most rotten swill Whitechapel Charlie could possibly sell."
Nate chuckled. That did sound like Hancock. Not that he would mind. He was planning to drop by anyway.
"Sure. I'm going to see him anyway. Please, make yourself at home, guys. I'm just going to hang this coat," he said.
"Sure. Hey, Codsworth, got a drink?"
"I'd recommend Gwinnett Stout, Mister Deacon. Just the right kind of cold," Codsworth offered. "Mister Nate swears by it."
"Hey, if the General says so. Can't be worse than the beer from the Third Rail."
"Coming right up."
As the others were distracted with the drinks and small talk, Nate slipped upstairs, hanging the coat and fedora on the rack, leaving him with just a simple shirt before tucking the scarf and gloves in the drawer.
The rings, his and Nora's, were there, too, and his gaze lingered a bit on them and the holotape Nora had left.
'Hi honey!'
The label, written in her beautiful handwriting, had yet to fade.
The first time he listened to it, he cried like never before. That was also the last time he cried.
He hadn't played it again after that. That didn't matter because he could remember everything she'd said, the words etched in his heart and mind. The memories had pained him as much as they had comforted him.
'But even so, I know our best days are yet to come.'
That was her hope.
His too.
'...everything we do, no matter how hard... we do it for our family.'
He could hear laughter echoing from below.
"Family..."
He was still looking at the tape, his thumb grazing the label, his mind wandering.
Underneath that tape was the one Father had left him, asking him to take a certain boy along to the surface and give him a chance to be part of the future that awaits.
The tape said nothing about it, but he got a feeling Father—no, old Shaun—hoped he could still have a family, even after circumstances cruelly drove them apart. Perhaps, deep down, he still cared.
A smile tugged on his lips as he remembered.
He still had a family.
"I'll love you always, Nora...Shaun. Until we meet again."
"Mister Nate, young master's asking for you!" Codsworth called, startling him out of his reverie.
"Y-yeah, I'll be right there."
He closed the drawer feeling a little stronger, and headed downstairs.
Cait came storming in as he descended the steps with Curie in tow, scowling and rubbing her backside while occasionally shooting the latter a glare that screamed murder.
"Wow, Cait...I swear you could scare off a herd of mutants like that," Piper remarked with no small amount of amusement.
"Shut yer gob," Cait snapped at her. "Try gettin' yer arse shot like I do, an' I'll eat me boots if ya didn't get the same damn look. Bloody hell, Curie, did ya hafta aim fer tha bum? Couldn't ye use some other place, eh?"
"Well, I am very sorry, mademoiselle. My analysis determined that it is the best area to administer the treatment. The sting will subside in just a few minutes, I assure you."
"...Curie...what exactly did you do?" Nate was both curious and apprehensive.
"Ah, yes, Monsieur Nate, Mademoiselle Cait had already passed out and refused to budge when I came to pick her up. So, I administered something I came up with just recently. See? She woke up in an instant, and the best part is, she wouldn't have any hangover tomorrow."
"Must you jam it up me arse, ya bloody egghead? Can't ya just shake me awake like a normal person instead of turnin' me into a test subject?"
"Why, I tried, but you didn't respond. You were a very difficult patient, mademoiselle. Very, very difficult."
"I show ya difficult!"
"Alright, girls, girls, simmer down. It's Christmas, for God's sake," Piper put herself between the two ladies, though she didn't believe Cait would actually harm Curie, even if she were in a bad mood. No matter how much she heard threats of violence against the poor scientist coming from the redhead, she's yet to go through with them.
"And besides, you don't want Deacon to laugh at you," Nate added.
"Too late, I can't hold it in anymore," Deacon snickered. "That look on you is priceless, Cait."
"Sod off."
"Nobody's fighting, I hope?" Codsworth chimed in from the kitchen.
"Nope, nobody's fighting," Piper ushered Cait to a seat next to her, with Curie told to sit beside her.
"If it's going to make you feel better, mademoiselle, I'm sorry."
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks fer' tha, er...help anyway, I guess."
The door opened again to reveal the last guests of the day.
"I see you've started the party without us."
Nick, unsurprisingly, had ditched the Santa costume and instead wore his usual trench coat, which he seemingly had a strong attachment to, but Ellie was dressing up more than usual.
"No, Nick, we're just late."
"Ellie, looking good," Nate rose to welcome the pair. "Nick, what, no more Santa?"
"I'd sooner run headfirst to a deathclaw nest," the synth deadpanned.
"Well, for what it's worth, Nicky, the kids really, really liked it," Piper grinned.
"And Ellie was still laughing when we got back to the office. I'd rather forget that ever happened," Nick rolled his eyes, but a thin smile was on his lips.
"Anyway, come on in, sit down. We're about to start," He went back to his seat, and felt Shaun tugging his sleeve.
"Dad, are we starting now?"
"Yeah, buddy, just a minute. Gotta say a few things first."
"Oh, okay."
"So," he turned to everyone in the room. "Thank you all for being here tonight. We're going to have a nice dinner and...celebrate together. Us, friends...no, family, in a way. I've known you for less than a year...but...let's just say I'm...glad to know you all. You're all...important to me. I can't imagine what things would be like without any of you. And...uh, Merry Christmas."
He found all eyes staring back at him, and a hush fell across the room.
"...Well, partner," Nick was the first to speak, "I'll tell you this. If you aren't here, I imagine I'd still be locked up by Skinny Malone. Or worse."
"I'd have lost my job and, more importantly, Nick," Ellie added.
"An' I'd be still slowly killin' myself with Pyscho, an' nobody would care," Cait admitted. It was obvious that it was difficult for her to say it, but she did anyway.
"And I'd still be stuck in that vault without ever having the opportunity to experience all this and more," Curie said, gesturing at the world outside.
"I'm being honest here; I'm glad you're on the Railroad's side. Haven't had a friend like you in a long while, too," Deacon chimed.
"If not for you, I'd still be living underground," Shaun, who'd been sitting quietly, said. "Or somewhere I don't want to be."
"Yeah, and I'd not have met Shaun," Nat piped up, a broad smile on her face. "He's so fun to be around."
"And sir, if I may repeat what I had said before," Codsworth began, "if you hadn't shown up back then, then I would still be...languishing in a house, waiting for a family that I feared wouldn't ever return, for centuries more. Yet here you are, still the selfless and brave man that I have always known you to be."
"So you see, Blue, we're all glad to have met you," Piper, too, gave him a warm, gentle smile. "All of us, even those who aren't here. And I...I'm especially glad. You were the first in a long time to believe in me. It was...the best feeling I've had in years."
Their sincere words were heartening, each kindling the warmth he felt. It was unfair, maybe, but Piper's voice had been the one he wanted to hear the most.
It was the fuel that stoked that warmth into a flame.
His eyes welled up, and he didn't hold it back.
"Thanks...it means a lot to me. But...uh, let's dig in, guys. Getting emotional here, hah."
"Haha, yeah," Piper laughed.
"And there, my friend, is the magic of Christmas," Deacon exclaimed, raising his glass of wine. "It can move even someone who is, quite possibly, the most dangerous man in the Commonwealth. I'll drink to that."
"You're exaggerating, Deacon," Nate replied, his tone sheepish, but he didn't deny it.
"I dunno, man, you've taken on a lot. You're the only person I know who took down a courser. That's impressive. Plus, you got rid of the Railroad's number-one hit list, too. That's gotta count for something. But I digress. Let's dig in, eh?"
They all raised their glasses and clinked them.
"Dig in!"
With that, everyone reached for their cutlery and dug in.
Mirelurk cakes, Brahmin roast, assorted vegetables—to everyone's relief, no tatoes—and mutfruits were on the table, along with ice cold drinks courtesy of Shaun managing to get the fridge running after some tinkering. Piper was delighted to see mole rat chunks and deviled eggs, too, and Nate was awarded a kiss on the cheek after Codsworth told her he asked for some, just for her. She was beaming, and he thought he could spend the rest of the dinner with that stupid grin that he was sure everyone would notice.
But he didn't care. Not even when the others teased him about it.
The atmosphere was jovial, with conversation and laughter filling the room as they ate and talked and exchanged stories. Dogmeat was at his feet, enjoying a special treat prepared just for him, and he could feel his wagging tail brushing his pants every now and then.
"Hey, Wanderer, tell us that story about the crazy Mister Gutsy you met."
"Uh, you mean, the one with the curfew?"
"Yeah, the curfew! Everyone loved that; even Dez and Carrington had to chuckle."
"Oh? Why don't I know this one, Blue? No fair. You never told me about this."
"Yeah, Dad. I wanna hear this."
"I'm curious, too, sir. Please, do tell us."
"Well...okay, fine," he laughed and began his tale. "You see...so there was this wandering Mister Gutsy who was enforcing curfew, and he stopped me and ordered me to return home. I told him the war was over, but he didn't care. Then when he asked, 'Repeat, will you comply?' I thought I could mess with him a bit before the inevitable, so I took his words literally and repeated, 'Will you comply?' over and over. Maybe that screwed up his logic circuits because he proceeded to blow himself up. Guess I was lucky."
Everyone stared except Deacon, who was snickering—until Piper broke the silence.
"...Wow...Blue. Wow. That's...that's hilarious. Hahaha, you're a genius. Haha."
"You...you are quite the prankster, aren't you, sir?" Codsworth asked, trying his best to sound serious, but he, too, was amused.
"Sometimes, Codsworth. I guess I needed the distraction."
"Dad, that was funny," Shaun's giggle was a melody to his ears. "I bet no one ever tried doing that before."
"Oh, Monsieur, as funny as that was," Curie was holding back her laughter. "I must ask that you avoid acting recklessly in the future, please."
"Well, that's just Nate, I guess? I mean, he once said, and I quote, 'The only thing I'm ready for is danger and awesome.'"
"Ellie, please, don't remind me of that," Nate groaned.
"What, no way. That's so cool, Dad."
"It would be, Shaun, if he didn't add in the *pew pew pew*" Ellie added, and the laughter erupted again.
"I think I'm gonna choke up," Piper wheezed. "Haha, no, really. This is great."
"Come on, guys. Don't drag me like that," he protested, though not without a smile. It'd gotten easier to do.
"You gotta admit, though, it's quite a boast. At least you got the danger part down," Nick chuckled. "Jury's still out on the awesome part."
"Geez, thanks, Nick. Really."
The conversation set the tone for the remainder of the dinner—one filled with chatter, raucous laughter, and good cheer, in no small part thanks to Deacon's outrageous tall tales. Curie was especially fascinated despite her scientific leanings, with Cait, of all people, serving as a skeptical counterpoint.
Throughout it all, Shaun had this glint, so very human, in his eyes. Considering the boy adored all his friends, it was no wonder he would, Nate mused.
Watching the boy digging into the food was yet another reminder of his humanity. He had the appetite of a growing child and ate just like one. Which was curious, considering synths normally ate little. And older ones like Nick didn't even need to eat. Still, the detective did partake in drinks even though his plate remained clean.
"Codsworth, everything's so delicious!"
"Why, thank you, young master Shaun."
"You're so good at cooking, Codsworth. Where did you learn all that?"
"It's programmed into me by the fine gentlemen at General Atomics, young sir."
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"That means Codsworth was born already knowing things he needed, Shaun," Nate answered.
"Oh. Wow. That's amazing, Codsworth. How many things can you do?"
"Why, young sir, a bit of cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, and a whole lot of other things."
"What else can you do, then?"
"Why, whatever Mister Nate requires of me."
That includes dismembering and disintegrating crooks, Nate mused, almost chuckling. Seeing Codsworth in a scrap could make anyone forget he's supposedly just a Mister Handy.
"Wow, Codsworth, you're awesome. Right, Dad?"
"Definitely, son."
"You have a great butler, Nate. And a good friend," Ellie smiled.
"That's what I'd always thought, Ellie," Nate nodded. "Always."
Soon, they finished the food—including the cake Codsworth improvised from Shaun's favorite Fancy Lads snack cakes and Slocum's Joe donut mixes for dessert—and the table was cleared, but the conversations continued. The kids had somehow roped Nick, Ellie, and Deacon into playing Unstoppables Shindig with them, and Nate could hear the shrieks and laughs as they played and Dogmeat barking as he watched.
"I sincerely hope you wouldn't throw up here," Codsworth chided Cait, who was still taking swigs from the bottle she had commandeered for herself. He had been holding his vocalizer over her poor table manners during the dinner, but he'd draw the line over the possibility of the fine rug getting covered in vomit.
"Can it, Codsey. Ya ain't my ma," she hiccuped. "Unlike my ma, you ain't useless, though. At least you can really cook."
"Oh, I'm flattered, but please, try to keep your liquor down."
If it was possible for a Mister Handy to roll his eyes, Codsworth would've done so. Instead, he simply muttered and left the woman to her devices, hoping she wouldn't make a mess.
"Mademoiselle, at the very least, I hope you can control your alcohol consumption before you start getting sick," Curie suggested, to which Cait only gave a dismissive wave.
"It's not like I'm gon' get meself drunk to death. I know my limit, damn it."
"if you put it that way, mademoiselle. Well, I will keep that medication handy just in case."
In the end, the rug did get soiled, after all, but instead of puke, it was just the drink Cait spat out.
"What? Ya gonna mess with me arse again?"
"Just in case, mademoiselle," Curie's smile was beatific, but there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"You know, that phrasing going to give people ideas, Cait," Piper snickered. "You're kinda cute together, by the way. In a platonic way, obviously."
"Me, and this egghead?" Cait's tone was incredulous, but Nate could see she was trying her best not to show her fluster.
"Well, for how much you claimed you can't stand her, you don't seem to mind her being around," Piper remarked.
"Aight, aight, she's not that annoying, okay? I admit, I've been asking for her help so I won't feel like crap all the time, and it's...been helping. And maybe we can have a talk or two. That's it."
"And Mademoiselle Cait is far from being the most troublesome patient I've had to treat; that much is true."
"Well, if you're getting along like good girls, that's great," Nate smiled. "And you know what good girls get? Presents. Codsworth, can you help me bring them here?"
"Certainly, sir," Codsworth followed him to the closet and waited as the latter fished out boxes and bags, and together, they hauled them all out.
"Oooh, presents. I wonder what it is?"
"Let's open them and find out, eh?"
A brand new bat with some lethal modifications for Cait since she mentioned breaking her old one after smashing one too many raiders. A new lab coat for Curie because her usual outfit was starting to look tacky, plus a bunch of Massachusetts Surgical Journal. A new trenchcoat and fedora for Nick. A nice, shiny pair of heels for Ellie. New shades for Deacon, which he luckily had prepared despite not expecting his arrival. And for Piper, a new scarf in a darker shade of green.
"Oh my God, this is beautiful, Blue. Thank you."
"My pleasure," Nate replied, watching her wrapping the new scarf around her neck.
"It's just...wow. So warm."
"I thought a new scarf would suit you, Piper."
"Aw, that's so thoughtful. Thank you, Blue. I love it."
"Glad to hear that. Nick, Ellie, I hope you don't mind me giving you new clothes. The old ones are, well..."
"Thanks, partner. Had to admit, my old one is falling apart. Pretty sure nobody would take a naked detective seriously."
"Definitely. And thanks for the heels. These are great, Nate. You've been such a wonderful friend."
"Well, uh, you guys deserve it. Really. All of you."
Cait was grinning as she ran a hand through the wood like she was eager to bash someone's head with the bat. "Heh, just what I needed. Thank ya, Nate. These are gonna come in handy. Like when someone's gettin' on me nerves," Cait eyed Codsworth.
"My, my, aren't you just the most charming, Miss?" The robot replied flatly.
"And what's this?" Cait's grin got wider when she cradled the small, unassuming bag found tucked in the box and heard the rattling and jingling.
"It isn't much, but hey, it's the thought that counts," Nate shrugged. Despite feeling like a dad giving pocket money to his kid, he'd thought it was a fun idea.
"Damn right. I'm glad you thought about me."
Curie's reaction was just as endearing; she was almost squealing.
"Ooh, editions I haven't read. Merci beaucoup. These will certainly aid in my research."
"Well, anything to make life a little easier. You're welcome."
"You're truly kind, sir," Codsworth beamed if a robot could. "It warms my circuits to see everyone happy."
"Yeah. Hey, c'mere. I have something for you, too."
"Really? Oh, sir, you shouldn't have. It's just a jest," Codsworth said, his voice laced with surprise.
"No, Codsworth. I should. Here," he handed Codsworth an almost brand-new bowler hat. "You once said you could use one. Makes you feel like a real butler, you told me."
"I..."
A robot couldn't cry, but Nate could've sworn Codsworth's voice was close to cracking.
"You remembered, sir. That's...that's...oh, dear."
"Of course, buddy. You're family, too. Now, try it on."
"Certainly, sir," he gingerly took the hat, and after some maneuvering, he managed to get it on his chassis. "Now that I look the part, I shall redouble my efforts. Do excuse me; I need to do the dishes."
With a flourish, Codsworth hovered over the sink.
"Wait, wait, I want to help," Curie was quick to offer her help, and soon, both were working away, with Curie doing the washing and Codsworth the drying, all while catching up with each other.
Cait had fallen asleep snoring on the couch, amusingly still holding her new bat close, and the others were occupied with another game, leaving Nate and Piper alone.
"Wow, I'm stuffed. What's the saying again? 'Once on the lips, forever on your hips?'" she leaned on the couch, rubbing her tummy. "Gotta burn these calories tomorrow. Well, I need to find a new story anyway, so I guess that's killing two birds with one stone, haha."
The laugh was crisp and clear and genuine, like the fire that lit her eyes and made her face glow. He knew that feeling and loved it.
"So, um, Blue. Are you really planning to settle here? In Diamond City?"
"Well, yeah. Not year-round, but most of the time, yeah."
"Even...with all its problems?"
"Well, Piper, I do admit that Diamond City has problems. Big ones. But...seeing you trying to change that? It makes me want to try and do something, too. And besides, Shaun likes it here. He likes having Nat around, too."
"Yeah, he's a sweet kid. Nat's really taken a shine to him, too. They're pretty much best friends now. Glad you guys will be staying. Glad you..."
"Piper?"
She swallowed, and he did the same.
"...are no longer sad."
Her face was close. So close. Never too close.
"You'll always smile like this, yeah? I want to see this smile," she whispered. "That's...that's good."
"As long as...you're around, Piper."
It had begun. There was no going back now. He could only fall deeper.
And it was still the most wonderful feeling.
But it was now the time to end this dance.
No more careful steps. No more tiptoeing.
Just jump.
"Piper. I...want to ask something. Please."
"Sure. What is it?"
"When I was down, you...helped me through it. Helped me smile again. You were there, and you're here now. I can't thank you enough for that."
"Well, um, I...just did what I thought was best. For a friend. For a friend, Blue. I'm...glad you're happy again."
"Can...can we be more?"
He'd expected her to look shocked, to gasp, to stare. To ask if she heard that right. To deflect.
Instead, she smiled. A little more shyly, yes, but a smile.
"Even if I can be nosy, loud, and rude? And...even if I can't promise it'll always be sunshine and rainbows?"
"It can be radstorms all the time and I'd still want to stay by your side."
"Blue...what...about your...your...you know..."
"Piper," he held her hands. The fingers were far from smooth, unsurprisingly. Still, he felt them gripping his firmly. "Are you worried I'm still hung up on her? Because I'm not. She's gone, and she wouldn't have wanted me to waste my life moping over what could've been. What I have now? It's good, and it can be better. I admit, the first time I saw you, I thought I'd seen her again. Today, too, brought back memories of those times, of the times she made me so happy, and I'm thankful for it. But, Piper, in the end, it wasn't only the resemblance that drew me to you. It's...you. Just you. Not the past. And I really, really want to spend the future with you. If you want to."
She didn't answer right away. Instead, her expression was wistful.
"I never thought I'd fall for someone. Hard. Especially when that someone is hurting over his late wife, his lost son. How could I ever hope to take that place? Or so I thought. In the end, I...decided to just help him heal. Because it hurt to see him sad. I...really wanted to see him smile. He deserved that, at least, for every good he'd done. Even if it's not...for me. Then...seeing him now, surrounded by people who care for him and whom he cares for in this...fresh, new world, it was a dream come true. For him. For me."
Her hands moved up, her touch feather-light.
"But for the longest time, I kept wondering, 'Would he ever want me the way I am?' But it seems you do. You really do. And I want you, too."
Then, it happened. The best part of the day, something even more fulfilling than the meal they just had.
He didn't know who started first, and he didn't care.
He was overwhelmed but not scared. Not at all.
He wouldn't say it was perfect, but it was real.
Ending as quickly as it started, though. But, he mused, it was worth the wait.
For the first time since he'd known her, Piper had no quip or remarks to offer. She simply picked up the cap that fell on the floor, covering her mouth with it, the giggles not stopping.
"Thank you," was the only thing she said.
"My pleasure."
They both knew this would be the beginning of something great.
"I love you," she whispered, and it was ever so sweet.
"Love you, too, Piper."
"I will fight for this. For us."
"Same here."
Every good thing must come to an end. Christmas parties included.
Nick and Ellie had excused themselves, and both threw the pair a knowing smirk as they left. They definitely noticed. Nate was certain of that. Piper's soft groan told him they were thinking the same thing.
Curie had plopped herself on the other couch next to Cait, who was still snoring and hugging her new bat. "What a lovely sight, wouldn't you agree, Monsieur Codsworth?"
"Yes. It's a lovely sight to behold, Miss Curie. Oh, have a good night's rest," Codsworth replied. Two of his eye stalks were focused on Nate, with one of them closing and opening its aperture in the approximation of a wink. He didn't know what to think of that.
"Merci. Bonne nuit, Monsieur Codsworth."
"Good night, Miss Curie."
Deacon left soon after, saying he couldn't afford to stay long and risk getting noticed by the wrong people, but not before saying, "Way to go, man. Way to go."
With everyone going home or otherwise dozing off, including Dogmeat in his doghouse, the place was silent, save for the occasional clanging of pots and pans and the whirring of Codsworth's servos as he finished up his work.
That kind of comfortable silence was a blessing in the chaotic world.
"Sis...? Hey, sis...?"
Nat's voice woke Nate and Piper from their daze, and they turned to the girl. Shaun was beside her, rubbing his eyes.
"What's up, kiddo?"
"Are we staying here for the night?"
"Well..."
"Please," Nate spoke, and both girls' heads turned to him. "It'd make me happy if you two stayed here. Besides, I'm sure this one would like the company," he said, pointing to Shaun, who was half-asleep. "Hey, kiddo, want to snuggle with dad?"
The boy nodded sleepily.
"Alright, come here."
Shaun curled between him and Piper, clinging to his shirt. Nat, too, sat next to Piper, and the four of them simply lay on the couch.
"It's warm here," Nat commented, inching closer to her sister. "Hey, sis, aren't you lucky."
"Wha-whatever you mean, Nat?" Piper mumbled.
"Oh gee, you two were so into each other you failed to notice that everyone noticed."
"Uh, we weren't—"
"I think it's nice. Really," the younger girl yawned, curling up into a ball. "I like Mister Nate, too. So, if you're happy, then I'm happy, too."
"Nat..."
"Good night, sis, Mister Nate."
"Sweet dreams, Nat. You too, kiddo."
"G'night, Dad."
Nate waited until Shaun was really asleep before turning to Piper.
"Piper, do you think...I can be a good dad for him?"
"Well, I think you've done well enough, Blue. He adores you a lot."
"But...there was a time when I just left him with Sturges. A lot. It was when I was struggling to process everything that happened. To accept him. Used my Minutemen duties as an excuse. Yet Shaun...still sees me as his dad. And now I have a lot to make up for."
"And you will, Blue. That's just the kind of person you are. I don't think you have to worry about being a good dad because you are."
"Thanks, Piper. I think I needed that."
"Actually, I should be the one worried, don't you think? If I could be a...well, you know...good mom for him."
"If you're worried, then I am, too. And since we both are, why not work together on this? What do you say?"
"Sounds like a plan. We can take it one step at a time, eh?"
"Sure."
The weight of her head on his shoulder was welcome. Her serene look, the soft breathings, even more so.
Next year, in Sanctuary, there will be a big tree, a bigger feast, and more presents. Everyone's welcome.
And he could finally go to Nora's grave without all the guilt, the baggage, the grief. Tell her that he would be alright, that he would never be alone.
"Time for a whole new life."
And what a life it would be.