Preston Garvey Week Day 3 - Family

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN: September 2025

NOTES: One of several entries into Preston Garvey (Appreciation) Week over on Tumblr!

It was strange, seeing the young boy walk about The Castle after hearing everything that went down. To see that vibrant, youthful face and know it was a recreation born out of guilt for the events that transpired just months ago. Born from an inhumane science that has led to the oppression and surveillance of those on the surface, whilst their handlers–the former Institute personnel, that is–sat beneath in quiet luxury. Yet there he was, smiling as one of the Minutemen crouched down to admire the latest trinket he’d created. The sight tugged at Preston’s heartstrings, especially when he knew how much it’d anguished his lover.

That was why he knew he had to do better.

That was why he smiled and extended his arms as the boy bound over, throwing his synthetic weight into the man and beaming up at him. It felt so… real. Warm in a way that it, logistically, shouldn’t have.

“Preston! You’re back! Is dad back too?” Curious blue eyes peeked around the worn duster, unable to spot the familiar figure. A soft hand ruffled through his hair.

“He had to make a stop in Diamond City. Said something about Detective Valentine picking up a strange case… But he told me to come back here.” He paused and withdrew from the hug, searching around in his pockets before pulling out a small, handheld camera. “Surprise.”

“Woah, you guys really found one?” His voice was softer, though still carried that wildly wondrous tone. He was quiet for a moment, fiddling with the controls and seeing if he could pick up on any signs it may function. Then he realized. “Oh–I’m sorry–” An apologetic smile. “Thank you, Preston!”

Preston shook his head and laughed softly. “It’s alright, I’m glad you like it.” A lingering pause as that subtle, initial discomfort sank back in. He shook it off, gesturing to the device. “Does it work?”

“Uhm, I think so! Can we go outside and test it? Please?”

Another bout of discomfort, but stemming from a different place in his brain. It was worry; hesitation. Wondering how far they’d wander from the settlement, or what might wait for them on the other side. The last thing anybody needed was for something to happen, especially to someone as valuable as Shaun. It was a heavy responsibility to bear, but he knew that it would be one he would need to. For him. For Shepard.

“Alright, but stay close, okay?”

“Okay!”

They initially stayed closer to the reinforced walls, sneaking out through the back and along the former artillery practice range. The sun shone down through the sparse trees, illuminating the waning piles of leaves and the vibrant, chipped paint of the abandoned building. Shaun wandered forward and looked at the building, craning his head as Preston lingered at his side. The child raised the camera and squinted while bringing the building into focus, then nearly jumped with glee as the camera’s shutter clicked and the faint tick of the film slide moving could be heard.

“It works!” Shaun turned, bouncing excitedly on his feet. Preston couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s great! I remember reading something about cameras like those… You’ll know when you can’t take any more when the dial says you’re out of film… I think.” He sheepishly rubbed at his neck, to which the child beside him subconsciously mirrored the gesture.

It was oddly sweet.

“Oh… okay.” He held the camera out, turning it this way and that beneath the sunlight until a small reflection caught his eye. Beneath the casing, there was the aforementioned dial, only just shifted from its filled position. “Preston?”

“Yeah?” A curious glance, which turned surprised as the child held up the camera.

“Do you want to take some pictures? We can take turns!”

There was a different tug. The twisting of heartstrings that rekindled that soft warmth that had first emerged when he’d been told about Shaun. The desire to protect. The desire to love. That warmth bled into his smile, widening as he crouched and gently took the camera.

“Alright, sure. Say… What about we take some for your dad? I’m sure he’d like to have some of you.”

He perked at the idea. “Yeah! And we can take some of you, too! I know dad likes you a lot. He likes a lot of people… but you seem special to him, too. Special like mom.” His voice trailed off, and he grew timid.

“I… Well, thank you for saying that, Shaun.” He took a breath, biting the bullet. “You alright?”

Shaun frowned a bit and kicked at the small pile of leaves by his feet. It wasn’t a malicious gesture by any means, evidenced by the way his shoulders sagged and he looked almost guilty. “I wish I knew my mom. She died when I was just a baby, right?”

She did, but was this a conversation he should be having with him? This felt too personable; fit for a parent, and not someone like him. Sure, he and Shepard were official now that things have come to a close. But that didn’t mean he felt like he was the right person to step up as a parent. Not when he could hardly save others… or himself. It was that latter part that drove him to speak again; the knowing of what it’s like to have your emotions discarded and drowned out by noise.

“She did, yeah. She… She died protecting you. From what your dad has told me about her, she loved you more than anything in the world.”

“… That… kind of makes me sad.”

Preston set the camera aside on the ground, and cautiously set a hand on Shaun’s arm. Upon the recognition of contact, Shaun stepped forward and hugged Preston. He hugged back, slowly pulling the young boy into a warm embrace.

“It is sad… But I know she’d be happy to see you safe. To see that you and your dad reunited, and that you found home again. That’s the important part to remember. She may be gone, but she will always be a part of you.”

He could feel Shaun nod against his shoulder, fabric shifting as he did so.

“And… I happen to know that your dad has some photos of your mom back at home, in Sanctuary where you grew up. So… how about we take some new photos to add to the collection?” A hopeful redirection, and one that Shaun latched onto. He finally peeled himself from the warm fabric of the Minuteman’s shirt, offering a small, timid smile.

“Okay… Preston?”

“Yes?”

“Can we take one together?”

“… Of course, come on–I know a good spot by the water where we can take it.”