If he's being honest with himself, Neil has never gotten beyond being a mere acquaintance with ED-E. Hasn't really given much thought to the eyebot other than the intense pressure he often feels in his chest when he thinks about the Enclave for more than a beat. Dogmeat is ED-E's friend; Dogmeat would have a better idea on how to reassure his friend.

But it's Neil, not his child, who's reaching toward the eyebot. Who quietly touches fingertips to the cool metal.

"It will be okay," says Neil gently, in a tone he's only used with one human child.