How do companion perks work? I've read one site that makes it sound like you get the perk while you are traveling with the companion, and another that made it sound like once they like you enough you get the perk permanently.

I've been trying to pick up Piper's perk because it seems like one that would benefit me the most right now (I've got a lot of undiscovered locations), but I'm not sure how it pops up. She's opened up to me about her dad, nothing further though.

As I understand it, once you max there approval you "unlock" there companion perk and then its in effect anytime there are with you.

Okay. Thanks, so it's not a perk you specifically get. Is there a way to check what your status is with them or is it just trial and error?

Weird, I thought the perk unlocks for all time. So you don't need that npc anymore. Not really had much call to test it though.

You are correct. You benefit from the perk regardless of whether or not the companion is traveling with you.

Is there a pop up that says you've gained it, or do you just need to keep your eye on the perk tab in the pip boy? Also, getting them to top off does not require a relationship does it? I have the relationship option for piper, but I assumed that was for hanky pinky so I haven't selected it.

Once you reach max affinity, there will be a message that tells you the name of the perk. But you have to find it in the Pipboy to see the effects.

And you don't need to romance them to get the perk. As for romance itself, there isn't anything gratuitous or sixy about it. If you sleep in a bed with them nearby you'll get the Lover's Embrace bonus instead of Well Rested (works on any bed though), and they'll say something cute as they crawl out of bed. That's about it.