Chapter 1: Priorities

Paladin Danse just won't get out of his Power Armor... Sole just can't win.

*Beware of major in-game Paladin Danse spoilers*

"Coming to terms with these… well, human feelings is going to be a very difficult journey. But if we can tackle those obstacles together, I think that this relationship could last a very long time." – Paladin Danse, Fallout 4

This is a ridiculously short fluff-fiction that just kinda came out of the blue.

"Danse, could you please just do me that favor? Don't make me come up there," the sole survivor practically begged. "It's awkward enough to have these conversations while you're three heads taller than me in that damned thing. I almost have to climb you. Literally. I'll have Codsworth pry you open if I have to."

"I don't understand, Chris," the paladin said, and shrugged. "What's wrong with my Power Armor?"

"Nothing, Danse... nothing. Dammit, you're making this far more difficult than it has to be." Chris took after his eyes with an index finger and thumb as he closed them, and let his hands drop to his hips. "I appreciate that you're well-protected and all - I don't want to lose you - but hey, I want to see your face as well. That's it. That'll all I'm asking. Once in a while, at least."

"Now I know you're lying your ass off."

The area around his eyes drew tight. "Fine…" he muttered, heaving a sigh and shifting. "It's a human thing, all right? I feel small, and that pains my dignity. How the hell can you be in there for such a long time, anyways? I swear, it's really tight right by my -"

"You risked your own life keeping me alive by refusing to kill me - as the Brotherhood ordered you to do - and here you talk about dignity?" he replied sternly. "If you seriously have issues with your dignity in my company, I advise you to stop pacing. I won't look down on you because of that." Chris folded arms across his chest and gave him a disapproving look. "Oh, for crying out loud... What is it now?"

"'Look down on me...' did you seriously just go there?"

"Chris -"

"Fine," he replied defeated, and started moving. Danse shortly followed even though he probably had no idea where he was heading. "I know another way to get you out of there... and it'll benefit the both of us."

"That doesn't make any sense, either. You are literally the most cryptic being I have ever met, and I've faced a lot of synths in my lifetime. How?"

Chris turned to him again as he barged in a halt, captured his wrist and guided him into one of the ruined houses proving to be somewhere far more private. Moving a hand to the side of his neck, he pulled him into a loving kiss as he passionately pressed his own lips to his. Kissing Danse never got old. Pulling away, his brown eyes were dazed and somewhat unfocused.

"I'll show you."

Danse might be a synth by birth... but he was more than human enough for the sole survivor to completely fall for him.

A/N: That damned Power Armor (I know it looks freaking awesome, but -) ruins the immersion...